Emerald Isle Carolina

On the waters of Bogue Sound in Southern Outer Banks sits Cape Emerald a gated subdivison in Emerald Isle North Carolina. To the west Cape Emerald shares its border with Royall Oaks subdivision. To the east it is flanked by Emerald Woods one of the town parks. The northern borders sits on the waters of Bogue Sound and hosts many a splendid sunset. Coast Guard Road defines the southern border of this subdivision.

This 75+ lot subdivision is gated and has keypad entry as well as owner phone up entry. If you are visiting Cape Emerald Emerald Isle North Carolina be sure your host knows your coming so they can buzz you in.

One of the unique features of this subdivision is indoor pool in Cape Emerald where you can enjoy year round swimming. The club house is available to home owners for get togethers or get aways. Next to the swimming pool are the outdoor tennis courts for those who love to keep active.

There is a pond that stretches to the south of Cape Emerald Loop between the sound front homes and the second row homes. This pond does not connect to the sound so don’t plan to launch your kayak here. There is a neighborhood walkway that will carry you and your kayak to Bogue Sound and many hours of adventure exploring the marshes and islands.

Emerald Isle North Carolina does not have a sewer system and almost all the homes are on private septic systems. The homes of Cape Emerald are an exception. Cape Emerald boasts its own private sewer system and the operations and funding are managed through a committee of home owners.

Currenly the $140 per month association fee for Cape Emerald – Emerald Isle North Carolina includes the master insurance premium, real property taxes on the common areas, management fee, sewer fee, swimming pool maintenance, tennis court maintenance and the private gate entry.

There are 15 direct soundfront homes in Cape Emerald and many of those boast thier own private pier and dock. As with any construction that takes place in or near the waters surrounding Emerald Isle you will need to get premission from CAMA (Coastal Area Management Authority or Act) before you begin.

The majority of homeowners in Cape Emerald are full time residents with a sprinkling of second home owners in the mix. Meeting up with neighbors while walking the neighborhood or to and from the beach is an every day occurance.

Ocean Oaks is the main road leading into Cape Emerald and leading out of Cape Emerald and directly to the beach. Yes, just cross over Coast Guard Road into Ocean Oaks subdivision and keep going for about 70 yards and you will arrive at the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Emerald a gated subdivision in Emerald Isle North Carolina was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina
Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *Cape Emerald a gated subdivision in Emerald Isle North Carolina*

Ocean Oaks off Coast Guard Road in Emerald Isle North Carolina is an oceanside subdivision (located on the ocean side of the island) that has been delighting beach lovers since the early 1980s. It is less than a mile from the Emerald Isle bridge to this quaint beachy subdivision with homes ranging in price from the $300s to upwards of $2,000,000.

Lots in Ocean Oaks range from a quarter acre up to half acre with most lots coming in around a third of an acre. The 140+ lots are distributed over four streets: Ocean Oaks Drive, Page Place, Pinewood Place and ocean front homes and duplexes on Ocean Drive. On the north side of Ocean Drive there are a second row lots facing south for delightful ocean views. On the three main roads in Ocean Oaks Emerald Isle North Carolina you will find 15 to 18 interior lots on each side of the street.

Homes range in size from 1000 square feet to just under 4000 square feet.

As of the beginning of 2010 the land values in Ocean Oaks Emerald Isle North Carolina range from $240,000 for one of the interior lots to $1,460,000 for ocean front. Total tax values including the land and the home range from $400,000 to just under $2,000,000.

There is no home owners association for Ocean Oaks and therefore no association dues. Being one of the earlier developed subdivisions on the west end of Emerald Isle North Carolina you will find some locals who call Ocean Oaks home and many North Carolinian’s who have made this beach community their second home. Those not lucky enough to own here claim this ideal setting as temporary home when they visit for a few weeks each year.

Many homes in Ocean Oaks are rental properties, some long term annual rentals but most are seasonal beach house rentals. Some visitors love the rustic beach house appeal and return year after year to rent the same properties for vacations and special family celebrations.

On Ocean Drive there are public beach walkways to access the beach and be prepared to walk as there is no parking at the access locations. Some locations do have a limited number of golf cart parking spaces, but many of the beach goers choose wagons to carry their gear and sometimes even the little ones.

Come visit Emerald Isle and see what Ocean Oaks has to offer for more permanent real estate ownership in the Southern Outerbanks.

Ocean Oaks in Emerald Isle North Carolina an oceanside subdivision was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina
Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *Ocean Oaks in Emerald Isle North Carolina an oceanside subdivision*

Back to the Future… Wordless Wednesday

Another shot from San Diego and the NAR Convention. At the booth for dotloop they had the Delorian car from the movie Back To the Future. I loved that movie and had to get a shot of me in the driver’s seat. It was complete with all the dials and gizmos.

Dot loop is  an esign product – online forms + esign + transaction manager = dotloop.com

See my other posts on the National Association of Realtors Convention 2009 in San Diego

• ActiveRain and Market Leader my highlight of the NAR convention in San Diego

• Speechless Sunday from San Diego & the NAR Convention

• The Power of Social Media to Build Your Business

• ActiveRain bloggers in San Diego for the NAR convention

Back to the Future… Wordless Wednesday was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina

Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *Back to the Future… Wordless Wednesday*

I’m home and unpacking from the NAR Convetion in San Diego and I just have to share my highlight of the convention.

Saturday Amy Hahn and I had the distinct pleasure of visiting booth number 2425 at the NAR Expo where we met up in person with Brad Andersohn of ActiveRain and John Lockhart and Mica Schonbeck of Market Leader. First I want to say thank you Market Leader for allowing ActiveRain to host the AR Lounge in your booth area. We truly appreciated having such a great meeting place.

Amy Hahn, Brad Andersohn & Kathryn Gorham at the Active Rain Lounge San Diego

We got to the ActiveRain lounge in time to witness Brad signing up a new member, Erika, to ActiveRain. It was a first for Brad to actually key in a new member and get their profile up and running. As Brad shared with Erika how to get started in ActiveRain, what ActiveRain is about and how to get the most from your experience we got to pick up some tips too.

What fun and how neat it was to visit nose to nose with Brad and hear him telling his story of how he came to ActiveRain.

Next we played ActiveRain Trivia at the lounge where my question was: Who is the number one agent in ActiveRain in my state, North Carolina. Instantly the image of Debe Maxwell’s ActiveRain photo popped into my head as I answered my trivia question with ease.

Brad asked another trivia question that I didn’t know the answer to and that was: Who wrote the first ever post on ActiveRain? When no one got the answer he told us. It was Jonathan Washburn, founder and CEO of ActiveRain, in June of 2006. It must have been a majic question because just seconds later Jon walked into the lounge and we got to meet him. He’s quite the handsome young man.

If you’re curious about that first blog post… as I was… here’s the link to the June 25, 2006.

The New Real Estate Bubble

Brad left us with a flyer to the January 12-15th RainCamp and Inman News Real Estate Connect NYC 2010. Hmm… NOW I know what to ask Santa for this year. Any ActiveRain members that want to share housing?

After a fun filled visit to the lounge and of-course a picture with Brad we popped in to visit with and thank Market Leader.

John Lockhart and Mica Schonbeck of Market Leader

John and Mica were a delight to talk to at the Expo. They came as a comedy tag team making us laugh as they shared the goodies on their service.

Market Leader’s Agent product, JustListed, helps agents:

• Generate 15 active buyer prospects every month – GUARANTEED
• Convert prospects into closed business
• Differentiate yourself and get an edge on your competition
• Secure your position as the local authority on home buying

They also have products for Teams and for Broker Owners check out their website Market Leader.

Other blog posts I’ve written on the NAR 2009 convention in San Diego

• The Power of Social Media to Build Your Business
• ActiveRain bloggers in San Diego for the NAR convention
• Speechless Sunday from San Diego & the NAR Convention

ActiveRain and Market Leader my highlight of the NAR convention in San Diego was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina
Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *ActiveRain and Market Leader my highlight of the NAR convention in San Diego*

ActiveRain bloggers in San Diego for the NAR convetion. Amy Hahn and I arrived today and are staying at the Westin Hotel in the Gaslamp District for the Women’s Council of Realtors programs and events.

We ahave a few minutes in our room to put our feet up and watch the airplanes landing at the airport 3 miles away. Next we head out to a networking session on the 4th floor armed with business cards. After that we head to the Wine and Culinary Center for a reception sponsored by Property ID.

Here’s a couple of pictures from our hotel room – will post more later.

View from the Westin Gaslamp Hotel

Brad Andersohn posted an article on ActiveRain sharing some space with Market Leader at the Expo. If you’re looking for Brad this Saturday and Sunday – check out booth 2425.

Are You Coming To NAR This Weekend?

ActiveRain bloggers in San Diego for the NAR convetion. was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina
Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *ActiveRain bloggers in San Diego for the NAR convetion.*

Wordless Wednesday – Sunset over the Bougue Sound – Emerald Isle NC

Emerald Isle Carolina – October 2009

snapped by: Kathryn Gorham

The summer sunsets reflect off the waters of the sound in Emerald Isle NC, but as fall comes they move southwestward towards the ocean. This shot is about midway through that southwestern migration.

Isn’t mother nature an amazing artist.

Wordless Wednesday – Sunset over the Bougue Sound – Emerald Isle NC was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina
Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *TWordless Wednesday – Sunset over the Bougue Sound – Emerald Isle NC*

I want to introduce you Kay Provetero, Emerald Isle NC – Best Massage Therapist. I have used Kay and her services since 2003 when I moved to the Crystal Coat. She has impressed me over the years with her knowledge, skill and zest for learning.

This morning she called me at 7:14am to remind me of my 8:00am appointment. You see I am prone to being busy and forgetting now an again so Kay helps me by reminding me of my appointment with a phone call and a cheery voice. What else would you expect from Emerald Isle NC – Best Massage Therapist? At the end of our session this morning I took out my phone to snap a couple of shots so I could share my appreciation of her work with you.

Kay taught school in some distant past and she’s being studying and practicing body work for more than 20 years now. I wasn’t exagerating in the least when I said Kay has a zest for learning. She takes body work training in a variety of modalities almost on a monthly basis. She has a certificate wall in her office – but that is only a sample of all the ones she has earned over the years.

Kay, the Emerald Isle NC – Best Massage Therapist, does many kinds of body work I’m not sure I can accurately recite them all. She does traditional massage, relaxation and Sweedish deep tissue. She also does Craniosacral (my favorite), NST, Miofacial Release, Kaya Regeneration Therapy, she’s a student of Visceral Manipulation, she has studied Trager Therapy and so many others that I don’t know all their names.

She knows, finds, and names body parts that I never knew existed. Kay’s not a big woman, but don’t under estimate her power. Gosh she knows exactly the spot to apply pressure.

I’m sure it won’t surprise you to learn that Kay loves her toys too from healing lights, lasers, aromatherapy and my favorite the Amethyst Biomat. Some therapist charge extra if you want to have your massage on the Biomat with Kay it’s just part of the service. Speaking of charges, Kay’s rate will surprise you too. Even though her services are on par with the Spas her rates are considerably lower. Expect to pay well under $100 for 60 minutes or 90 minutes.

You might expect that being the Emerald Isle NC – Best Massage Therapist, she has a good following of clients and you would be correct. Island visitors make their reservations for their vacation rental and their massage way in advance. Island locals usually have standing appointments. Kay doesn’t do email so you will have to give her a call 252-393-2087. Don’t be surprised if a man answers her secretary/husband may be the one answering your call and helping you arrange the appointment. Kay is located in Keystone Station on Highway 24 – 907 WB McLean Blvd – Cape Carteret.

I’ve been to spas, my favorite being Miraval in Tucson AZ, and I can tell you Kay is right up there with the best. Living at the coast we have our hidden secrets and now and again we even share them with special people so consider yourself special.

If you are lucky enough to get an appointmnet – tell Kay I sent you!

Emerald Isle NC – Best Massage Therapist was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina
Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *Emerald Isle NC – Best Massage Therapist*

The 4 letter word that will send buyers out the door as fast as they can go and never look back. This is a word that Real Estate educator, Bill Gallagher, spoke about last week in our Mandatory Update class and had everyone laughing. Yesterday when it happened to me I was NOT laughing. That 4 letter word is FLEA. The size of a spec of dust these little creatures have the power to turn me into a gyrating, gasping, goofy lady slapping at her clothes and grasping for seemingly non-existent somethings as they jump out of my way.

The flea was a funny matter last week as Bill Gallagher talked about an agent in her white pantyhose – fleas love the color white – entering a home infested with fleas only to turn and escort her buyers outside and returning to remove her pantyhose and leave them on the floor. He went on making the room laugh again and again as he made his points hit home. Oh his words came to mind again for me yesterday, but I wasn’t laughing. I was trying to pinch the little critters between my thumb and forefinger — mostly unsuccessfully — before they could jump away.

Facts about fleas:

• They can jump as high as 4 feet
• They feed on blood
• They can live up to 100 days without food in the coccoon stage unfed
• Once fed they live 3 to 4 months
• Once feed a female can lay up to 2000 eggs during her life
• Female lays eggs within 36-48 hours of a meal
• Gestation period is 14 days
• Only 5% of fleas found in a dwelling will be on the pet
• Very tiny up to 1/8 inch in size
• They can bite up to 400 times a day

When you treat for fleas you must take into account all 4 stages of a flea from adult, young (hide in a cocoon until food is near), larvae and the egg stage. Most sprays will not penetrate the cocoon. The cocoon is a shell used by the young where they hide inside until a warm meal passes by then they “unzip” and hop on for a bite. Once fed they reproduce and the cycle starts over again. In addition to treating you should vacuum every day and a half to two days for at least two weeks (gestation period) to pull up all the cocoons and eggs. You must either toss the bag after each vacuuming or add moth balls to the bag. Moth balls? Well it has been used for years to kill the larvae of moths in your closet so why not the larvae of fleas in your vacuum cleaner bag. Now your house won’t smell like a spring breeze, but if it does the trick you’ll be sighing with relief as you inhale that pungent scent.

Now to complete my story of yesterday. I had to measure the inside of a new listing. It is a fixer upper to say the least. The owner resides outside the area and recently had a non-paying tenants that had to be evicted. Bonnie, my dog, was in the car because I don’t take her into property, but when I got to the door to unlock it — it was slightly ajar. With no power on and the bad tenant history I went back to the car and got Bonnie dog out and took her in with me.

Well believe it or not I did NOT notice the fleas until we had measured and returned to the office. Then they were jumping on and off me as I sat at my computer. I had to go into the bathroom take off my top and pick off the fleas. The were on my “white” socks under my jeans. I even picked a couple off Bonnie’s face. Figuring I didn’t want them infesting the office I went to Ace Hardware and got a couple of bombs and let them off and headed home to brush Bonnie figuring it couldn’t be that bad right. Keeping her outside I began brushing, but after finding a half dozen fleas crawling on her we headed for the tub and a flea bath. A shampoo, 30 dead fleas and a final coating of flea dip later she was briskly running around to thank me. Next we washed her bed from the office and just for good measure the one from home too. I have a healthy (or unhealthy) dose of bites myself and would love to douse my body in some flea dip if it would help the itching!

Beware of this four letter word as you enter vacant dwellings! FLEA

See my article on: Bill Gallagher teaches at the Crystal Coast for some Halloween Fun

The 4 letter word that will send buyers out the door – FLEA – was fist published on Emerald Isle Carolina
Copyright © 2009 by Kathryn Gorham, All Rights Reserved. Permission granted to re-blog or re-print with the stipulations that you do not alter the original content and that you provide a link back to this article in the re-blog or re-print. *The 4 letter word that will send buyers out the door – FLEA*