Onslow County NC Homes Talk

I entertain pretty often and get lots of recipes from my Mom who belongs to a Gourmet club that has been in existence for 24 years.  This recipe is one she shared with me and it always get raves.

Chicken Lombardy

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast                    1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 cup butter, divided                                          Salt & pepper

1 1/2 cups fresh mushroom, sliced                     3/4 cup good white wine

1/2 cup chicken stock                                        1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan (can kind) cheese   

Flaten chicken breast to 1/8" using a meat mallet or rolling pin.    Dredge chicken lightly in flour.  Place 2

tablespoons butter in skillet over medium low heat, add 3 chicken breast at a time; cook 3-4 minutes per side

until goldenbrown.    Place cooked chicken in a greased 13x9 baking dish overlapping if necessary.  Sprinkle with

salt & pepper taste.  Repeat with remaining chicken breast adding more butter to skillet as needed.  Reserve

drippings.  Add 1/4 butter and mushrooms to drippings, saute` until tender.  Remove mushroom with slotted

spoon and evenly over chicken breast.  Reserve drippings.

To reserved drippings stir in wine and chicken stock.  Simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Season with

about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper.  Pour over chicken breast.  

Combine mozzarella & Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over  chicken breast.  Bake at 450 degrees for

12 -15 minutes.  Place under broiler for 1 - 2 minutes to brown.  Yield:  8 servings 

In today's world of excess do you think that anyone can be          

• Too Rich?
• Too Thin?
• Too Smart?
• Too Pretty
• Too Handsome?
  
• Too Successful?
• Too Spiritual?
• Too Popular?

I have my opinions but will not express them until I hear from some of you and how you feel about this.  This is going to be interesting and my bet is there will be much difference of opinion here.

What was the best vacation you ever had?  Have you ever thought about what made for a really great vacation?

• Is it the LOCATION?
• Is is the PEOPLE you are with?
• Is it the ACTIVITIES you partiipate in?
• Is it the WEATHER?
• Is it the FOOD and DRINKS?
• Is it the INACTIVITY?
• Is it the TRAVELING?
• Is it the SCENERY? 

Or is it something else? 

I'd like to know what makes for a GREAT VACATION for YOU? 

I have a suggestion--eastern North Carolina is a wonderful vacation destination.  Hubert NC, Swansboro NC  and Onslow County have much to offer, come see. 

It all started with seven friends who grew up together, played golf together and a dream they had.  Today, their dream has come true.  These men pooled their money, talent, labor and equipment to build their dream--a golf course in Onslow County, North Carolina.  It has taken 9 years and a lot of hard work for them to bring their dream to fruition.  Here is a story that once again proves that with a vision and persistence, dreams do come true.

Bear Trail Golf Club -To learn more and driving directions

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist

cynthiayt@ec.rr.com

910 459 9189 

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. 

If you are a military man or woman stationed in Jacksonville, N C at Camp Lejeune or New River Air Station, there is something that you may not know that could be very beneficial to you. 

That is:  Many businesses in the Jacksonville area offer discounts to active and retired military and enjoy honoring you with the savings.  Make sure you ask--whether it is a motel, restaurant, dry cleaners, tire service or whatever--you should ask.  Clerks do not always recognize or think to ask.  The savings offered by merchants can be substantial and can enable a family to have more disposable income.  Remember, Jacksonville businesses are proud to serve you and appreciate your business.  

For additional military discounts, check out this website. 

 We are proud to serve military families

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.

910 459 9189 

If you are military related and have been relocated to or from Camp LeJeune Marine Base or New River Air Station in Jacksonville, N C, I would like to hear from you.  I am interested in getting your opinions:

• What service do you want from your real estate agent that he/she is not providing?
• What kind of information would you like for your agent to provide you prior to your move?
• What kind of information would you like for your agent to provide you after your move?
• What one thing could your agent bring you on your moving day that would be helpful and appreciated? 
• What can your agent do to assist you and your family in your relocation?
• What would you like for your agent to understand about a military family's relocation experience?
• What would like for your agent to assist you with after you move in?
  

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. 

910 459 9189   

So, you've gotten your orders and you will be relocating to or from Camp LeJeune or New River Air Station.    Your mind starts to whirl, there is so much to do--where to start?  

• There's the house to sell
  
  
• Then you will need to find a home near the new base
  
  
• Your spouse has to resign from his/her job
  
  
• Your spouse has  to find a new job in the new location
  
  
• The kids have to be enrolled in new schools
  
  
• The kids will need to find new sports teams, dance classes, music lessons, etc.
  
  
• There are accounts which must be closed
  
  
• There accounts that will need to be opened and on and on it goes. 

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a guide?  Good news!  This guide takes you through the first steps, what to do, who to contact and how to go about it. 

I hope that your relocation to or from Camp LeJeune or New River Air Station in Jacksonville, N C is a smooth and pleasant one.  If I can assist you in buying or selling a home or property anywhere in Onslow County, please contact me.  I am proud to work with military families and look forward to working with you. 

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County, NC Home Specialist
Contact me
910 459 9189
Kingsbridge Realty - "Where we make houses homes"

                                       Until you have walked in my shoes,  how very, very true this must be very those who have lost spouses in military conflicts.  Thankfully, most of us will never have to tell our children that their Mom or Dad is not coming home again.  Most of us will never understand what these families experience and the challenges before them.   We cannot understand their feeling of loss, desperation, hopelessness and not belonging. 

All of sudden, these families have no connection to the military which has been their life for who knows how long.

• What can they do?
• Who can they turn to?
• Where can they go? 

The answer is:

The Camp LeJeune Spouse Support Group.  This group was formed in April 2006 and meets weekly to offer the support, direction and "listening" these families so desperately need.   Any one who lost an active Marine or Sailor since 10/2001 is welcome to join.

For more information contact Cmdr. White, Chaplain at 910 450 9584 or Ms. Wersel at viwersel@yahoo.com

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist

Contact me            910 459 9189

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. 

I am a GRITS (girl raised in the South) and grew up with a Mom who is a great cook.  So is her Mom and her Mom's Mom,  Grannie, was the best.    My Mom always let my brother and me help with cooking and we loved it when she made biscuits.  Getting our hands in the dough and cutting out the biscuits was so much fun.   We always made some really small ones just for us.  I was thinking about that this morning and how so many of my friends have never made biscuits.  I thought maybe I should share our family biscuit recipe here that was my Grannie's and is used by all of us.  It is simple and delicious.  I hope you will make your family a batch of biscuits and let your kids help, you will make a memory.

Homemade Biscuits

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2  cups self rising flour  (and some extras for patting out)
1 cup buttermilk (you can use regular milk and it is almost the same)
1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco (my Grannie used lard -- but we did change that several years ago!)

Pour flour in a large bowl, add Crisco and cut in with pastry blender or a hand chopper until blended, add buttermilk or milk.  With a fork, stir until milk is blended in and you have a soft dough (it will be very sticky- do not over mix) 

Cover a working area with wax paper, sprinkle liberally with some flour.  Place dough on flour and sprinkle with some flour on top of the dough.  Pat down with your hand, adding enough flour to keep dough from sticking to your hand, until it is fairly even and about 1/2" thick(don't spend much time doing this).  Use a round cookie cutter and cut out and place on baking sheet.   (if biscuits stick to wax paper and you have problem getting up, just add more flour & pat out again).  Bake in preheated oven until golden brown--takes about 12 minutes but just check often.  Makes about 12 depending on size.

 Note:  This recipe can be adapted to make amount you need --just remember the proportions.  Start with amount of flour you will use - example 1 cup - use half that amount of milk (1/2 c) and half that amount of Crisco (1/4 c.) 

         It's almost ready and we are so excited--yes, the new section of  Kingsbridge II located on Queens Creek in Hubert, N C will be ready for the market in about 60 days.  There will be a total of 41 building lots  or home sites available, 21 of which will be waterfront and the remaining 20 lots will have a water view.  The setting on Queens Creek is beautiful and the view incredible, the ideal spot for a dream home

Waterfront Lots - $99,500 to $275,000                        

• Water View Lots - $52,500 to $65,500

The location is conveniently located about 15 minutes from the back gate to Camp LeJeune Marine Base in Jacksonville, N C making it an ideal neighborhood for military families relocating to Camp LeJeune or New River Air Station.   Kingsbridge II  is a subdivision that enjoys the benefits of a location that is convenient to Wilmington (about 1 1/4 hours away), Jacksonville (about  a 20 minute drive), Swansboro (only about 10 minutes away), Cape Carteret (maybe a 20 minute drive)and the Island of Bogue Banks (approximately 30 minutes away) which includes Emerald Isle,  Salter Path,  Indian Beach,  Pine Knoll Shores and Atlantic Beach.  This is a family oriented neighborhood with a large diversity of residents which includes  families with children, retirees, empty nesters and singles.

Traveling out of the area is facilitated by easy access to Interstate 40, which is a East/West Interstate, and it feeds into  the North/South Interstate 95.  The new bypass around Jacksonville is a welcome addition--it is now an easier and faster trip to I-40.    Ellis Airport  is located outside of Jacksonville and provides flights to major hubs in Raleigh and Atlanta. 

                                                                                                                                                               

                                                            Houses in this subdivision range in size and price depending on the location.  Waterfront houses tend to be in the 2800 sq. ft to 5000+ sq. ft. range with prices anywhere from $400,000 to $1,000,000.  The water view homes range in size from approximately 1900 sq ft.  to 3300 sq. ft and priced from $199,000 to approximately $350,000.  There are older homes on the interior lots that are smaller and would be priced less but there are also some larger home in the $300,000 price range.  Swimming pools are this season's most popular addition with several just completed and/or under construction. 

Hubert is in one of Onslow County's most desired school districts

•  Sandridge Elementary School - Located within 10-12 miles
•  Swansboro Middle School - Located approx. 6-8 miles from subdivision
•  Swansboro High School - Next door to the middle school

There is a very strong and widely supported soccer league is Swansboro  which many children participate in.    Read the article I wrote about it recently to learn more.

Jacksonville, N C  is a progressive town with a strong military presence and support system.  There is a wide variety of retail business with many national named stores as well as smaller, locally owned businesses.  Onslow Memorial hospital continues to grow and provide the needed medical services for the greater Jacksonville area.  Restaurants are plentiful and diverse.  The banks and lending institutions are conveniently located throughout the town and there are many different ones.

Swansboro is a quaint, historic and picturesque town where locals and visitors enjoy strolling the streets and browsing in the unique shops.  You will not find the box stores here but you will find the small, locally owned business where you will be warmly greeted, invited in and made welcome.   (Wal-Green did just open a drug store here so maybe that is an exception).   A stop at Yana's Ye Old Drug store for breakfast or lunch is a must--it is a trip down memory lane.  A delightful town to visit or live in.

For entertainment you may want to head to Bogue Banks, a barrier island, with many public beach accesses.   In Emerald Isle you will find a water slide park, a go-cart race track and a miniature golf course.  On down the island to Pine Knoll Shores  is where the North Carolina Aquarium is located, a wonderful, educational place to spend a rainy day. The children will love the touch tank.   Head on down Highway 58 to Atlantic Beach and almost at the very end of the island you will find Fort Macon State Park.  There is a huge parking lot, bath houses, picnic area and an expansive beach.  There is also the old civil war fort to explore,  park rangers are on duty. 

If you are interested in a new home, a pre-owned home or a building lot, please take a look at what we have to offer in Hubert, N C.  The new section lots are not yet listed on the website.  I will be happy to talk with you and answer any question you have.

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist      

 Contact me      910 459 9189

Kingsbridge Realty

I read an article recently online by Bob Schultz in which he wrote about 7 often,  overlooked reasons and/or conditions that brought about  the hot housing market, which the news media refers to as the housing bubble,
we've experience the last few years.  He pointed out that 5 of the 7 reasons and/or conditions still exist and the one that does not--well,  Mr. Schulz believes that is a good thing.

I enjoyed this article and thought the Active Rain Community might also.

What do you think, is it true and if so, what do you believe is going on?

                          Good News!  Vacations are VITAL to our health and well being.  We are knew it was good to get away, but I love the word VITAL.  Doesn't that mean I ABSOLUTELY MUST TAKE A VACATION?  According to Webster one of the definitions of vital is "Necessary for life". 

Ok, I'm really getting into this.  Nobody but nobody could or would deny me anything necessary for life.  Right?  Oh boy, this is good stuff and there is more.  The longer the vacation the better--I've often heard the average American has so much stress that it takes at least 2 weeks to just start relaxing.  And if that is true for the average American, how long do you think it will take for a real estate agent? 

If you are thinking of a vacation, think eastern North Carolina, perhaps Swansboro NC, there are lots of events in Onslow County NC as well as our wonderful NC beaches and water activities. 

Oh well, enough of my blabber--- read the article that got me on this subject.

Are you convinced? 

Frequent military relocation pose numerous challenges for spouses of servicemen and women. One of the most daunting of these is finding a new job in an unfamiliar town with no contacts. Of course this job search must start for many families in the midst of

• moving into a new home and neighborhood
• setting up new accounts with local utility companies
• settling the kids into a new school
• setting up new banking accounts
• shopping in a new grocery store
• finding and settling into a new house of worship
• locating and establishing relationship with new local businesses and services--where to get the oil changed, car repaired, etc. 

No matter how much experience and/or education one may have, changing jobs every 3 or 4 years is difficult and stressful.  Good news for these military spouses, there is a resource available that you may not be aware of.  It is the Military Spouse Career Center.  Here you can search for jobs in specific areas in specific career fields and even get a certified career coach.  All of this is provided free of cost for military spouses.  

When relocating to Camp LeJeune or New River Air Station in Jacksonville, N C, contact us for assistance in finding a home. 

Cynthia Tilghman,  Onslow County Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.

If you  have read my blogs, you probably know that many of my clients are military relocations due to my proximity to Camp LeJeune and New River Air Station in Jacksonville, N C.  As I have stated here before, my respect for these military families is enormous.  I cannot even begin to imagine the sacrifices they make and this is not just the serviceman (woman) but the entire family.  

With the conflicts our country is battling in the Middle East, many of our servicemen (women) are returning home injured and/or disabled.  Unfortunately and to my utter disbelief, dismay and embarrassment, these families are not receiving the support they need and deserve.  Read this story about one family's struggle for help.  

One of my clients, a young Marine named Matthew Coon has established a organization to help  wounded warriors as he refers to them.  What is your freedom worth?  

 Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.   

Soccer is big in this small town--Swansboro high school girls & boys teams are reigning state champions and have held the title in previous years as well.  It is common knowledge among NC soccer fans that Swansboro soccer is a strong program and one that has earned respect.  Over 600 children participate in the Swansboro soccer league. The community and league are asking for new facilities to meet the existing needs. Construction of 5 new fields is in the works. Real estate is a precious commodity in this waterfront town but the residents understand the need for the new fields and support the construction. It appears that the new fields are about to be a reality.  Read this article by Joe Miller that appeared in the Jacksonville Daily News that gives the details and plans for the new complex.  Congratulations to all who have worked long and hard to bring  these new facilities to Swansboro, N C--the kids (and parents) deserve it!

 If you are looking to relocate anywhere in Onslow County, N C please contact us.  We take pride in assisting our military men and women.

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist

 Contact me                 910 459 9189

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. 

A new young monk arrives at the monastery and as with all new monks he is assigned to help the other monks in copying the old canons and laws of the church by hand.
He notices, however, that all of the monks are copying from copies, not from the original manuscript. So, the new monk goes to the head abbot to question this, pointing out that if someone made even a small error in the first copy, it would never be picked up. In fact, that error would be continued in all of the subsequent copies.
The head monk, says, "We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, my son." So, he goes down into the dark caves underneath the monastery where the original manuscript is held as archives in a locked vault that hasn't been opened for hundreds of years.
Hours go by and nobody sees the old abbot. So, the young monk gets worried and goes downstairs to look for him.                                                                                   He sees him banging his head against the wall, and wailing, "We forgot the "R"! "We forgot the "R"! "We forgot the "R"! "We forgot the "R"!

Have you ever thought or said "if I were President, I would have/have not done it like that"?  Well, here's your chance to to find out which political figure you are most like.  Take this test on Military.Com and see how  it plays out for you. You'll be asked to make four decisions that will determine your behavior traits to determine which leader you have most in common with.    Pretty interesting and revealing.  You might be surprised at the results!
Let me know, are you a JFK, Winston Churchill, or another famous leader.  

If you have orders or are expecting orders to relocate to Camp LeJeune, or New River Air Station in Jacksonville, N C, you will want to contact me, Cynthia Tilghman, Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. to assist you with finding a home. You deserve prompt, efficient and professional service and I am committed to giving you that.

Finding a home that will fit your family’s needs is your first priority and I understand that. I have the experience, knowledge and contacts to locate the perfect home for your family. I will do the work so you will not be burdened with unnecessary details. I will help you find the right financing to buy the home you need and want. I will supply you with information on the different towns and neighborhoods in the area so that you can decide which location best suit your family’s needs. Whether you like Hubert, N C. or Swansboro, N C is more you style, just by clicking on the highlighted words, you will be redirected to valuable information on each that I have gathered for people like you.

Moving is a stressful experience for the entire family and I will work diligently with you supplying and locating the resources and information you need and desire. I can furnish you with information on schools, churches, taxes, banking, recreational facilities or any other information that you and your family are seeking. My website offers many resources that are helpful prior to and during relocation and I am always happy to receive your questions, concerns or comments via email cynthiayt@ec.rr.com. I answer my phone 7 days a week from 8AM to 9PM (usually later) except on Sundays during church hours. If you do not reach me, please leave a message and I promise to return your call within 24 hours (usually less).

I look forward to hearing from you and working with you buying or selling a home or property in Camp LeJeune, Hubert, Swansboro, Jacksonville or anywhere in Onslow County, N C. Keep in mind that I can assist you with any property listed with our local Jacksonville/Onslow County MLS.

Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County, NC New Home Specialist

910 326 3003 910 459 9189 www.kingsbriderealty.com

 Contact me

This is the question that was posed to me by my aunt about my Grandfather who died in 2005.  It seems a reporter plans to write an article about my Grandfather for the local newspaper and is interviewing my Aunt.  So, she is asking the family "What one word best describes Daddy, Grandaddy?"  Well, this was going to be difficult--so many words immediately flooded my mind

• Caring
• Honest
• Trustworthy                                                      
• Fair
  
• Respected
• Stoic
• Serious
• Hardworker                                                                                                                                                           
  

But, do you know which of these I chose?  None--there was another word that kept popping into my head over and over  "RESPONSIBLE".  My Grandfather believed in responsibility and he lived his life responsibly.  He understood that he was responsible for his family and he did whatever necessary and made the sacrifices to make sure his family was well cared for physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually.  He was a wonderful role model for his family as well as all who knew and worked with him.  He treated everyone fairly and with respect and in return he was respected.

I'm interested in knowing what word best describes your Dad or Grandfather.                                                                                           My Dad & girls having Ice Cream Party                   
  

We visited Swansboro yesterday, now we're moving on down the road into Hubert, N C. in Onslow County, N C.  It is very difficult to know where one ends and the other begins. 

Hubert has a post office but no downtown, it is more of a residential community with small, mostly locally owned businesses located primarily along Highway 24 otherwise known as Freedom's Way(so named because this is the route the marines travel back to their home base when returning from overseas conflicts and duties). 

There are still a few small farms in the area with their roadside stands offering their vegetables, fruit, flowers and homemade goodies during the appropriate seasons. 

There are several marvelous neighborhoods and the range of house price and size is very broad.  One of the most notable and desirable  neighborhoods is Kingsbridge on Queens Creek marketed by Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  As the name implies, it is located on Queens Creek and what a lovely setting it is. 

The newer section of this neighborhood feature many large waterfront homes with a picturesque view of the creek.  There is water and boat access for the residents and a boathouse is also under construction for their use and enjoyment.   A new section is due to open within the next 60 days with waterfront and water view home sites available. 

Residents of Hubert are very fortunate in that they are located in one of the most desirable Onslow County School districts.  Many people elect to live in the area just so their children can attend the schools here. 

Hubert has a diverse population with many retirees, military families, and transplants as well as long time residents.  The location is convenient to Camp LeJeune Marine base in Jacksonville with the back gate about a 10 minute drive away. 

Jacksonville is a short, painless drive from Hubert where the shopping, banking, airport and interstate access is quick and easy.  Residents enjoy the relaxed lifestyle Hubert provides while its location offers recreational opportunities such as the area beaches and waterways with outstanding fishing and boating. 

The North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores is about 30 minutes away, here families can spend many educational and entertaining hours learning about the  From Pine Knoll Shores to Atlantic Beach is another approximately 10 minutes where Fort Macon State Park, one of the most visited state parks in the U.S., is located.
Hubert, N C is a lovely community--if you will be relocating to this area, this is definitely an area you will want to visit.

For more information or if I can assist you in any way.

 Contact me                  Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialsit                910 459 9189

www.kingsbridgerealty.com