Onslow County NC Homes Talk

WCTI, Channel 12 out of New Bern, N C reported that there is a new social security scam spreading across Eastern North Carolina.

   Residents are warned that persons posing as employees of Social Security are calling saying social security numbers were lost during a recent power outage.  The caller, then asks for a social security number or a bank account number. 

If you receive this call or any call from anyone asking for your social security card or bank account number, do not give out that  information to anyone who calls you.  Contact your local Social Security office and inform that that you received the call.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist

910 459 9189    Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County NC 

Clip Art courtesy of ClipArt Heaven 

Is there anything more relaxing than a day out on the water?  Last weekend my daughter and I were invited on a boat outing with a friend and his son. 

It was a gorgeous Eastern North Carolina day with the sun shining, a little breeze and temperatures in the mid 80's.  I'm not sure life gets any better than that.                                                     

We launched out of Dudley's Marina in Swansboro and spent the afternoon tooling around in the sound and playing on the beach.

It was a great, relaxing day-- a time to reconnect, commune with nature and recharge so that we would be ready to take on a new week.  True, I can't take off every weekend-- but I find after a relaxing weekend, the following week always goes a little smoother.   So, what do you do to recharge?                                                                               

            The dolphins were swimming all around the boat
 

Living in Onslow County, N C is great, boating is a popular and relaxing activity for many residents and visitors. 

Come join us, you'll be glad you did.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189    Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

We take pride in assisting military families locate a home in Onslow County NC 

Today is the day many Camp Lejeune families have been eagerly awaiting and anticipating for the past 7 months.  Today Dad, Mom or Husband returns from Iraq.

It is a tradition of the Camp Lejuene military community  for the families of returning Marines make to make "Welcome home" signs and hang them on the fence along Highway 24 entering Jacksonville.  

These signs are original and personal.  It is a heart warming sight to ride along the highway and see the signs awaiting the arrival of these families' loved ones. 

Along this section of the highway, the median is lined with Bradford Pear trees that were planted in honor of those Marines who died in Lebanon in 1986.  There is one tree for each Marine who lost his life and is known as The Guardian of Peace Memorial.   The trees were donated by Jacksonville citizens to memorialize those Marines.  It is a gorgeous sight in the Spring when the trees bloom and a needed reminder of those who lost their lives. 

The Marine arrive at the Morehead City port and from there they load into military vehicles and make their way down Freedom Way (Highway 24) to Jacksonville.  

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®  Onslow County Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.   910 459 9189           Contact me

We take pride in assisting Military families locate home in Onslow County NC 

 Living in a small town and/or community has its advantages.  Today when I passed by Buck's Corner Farm Produce Stand  just outside of Swansboro, N C,  it suddenly occurred to me that what I see as ordinary, others in different locations might see as very strange and unusual.

Take a look at the sign below---does anything about this sign seem strange or out of the ordinary to you?

Do you see this where you live?  This produce stand has been in this location for as many years as I can remember and in the Fall, this is how they do business--The Honor System. The stand is unmanned.   Make your selection, drop your money in the box and drive away with your pumpkin, sweet potatoes, jam or whatever.

There are signs with prices for the different items.   

  Each time I pass and see the signs, I smile and think "it is so wonderful to live in a place where people still trust their neighbors". 

Swansboro and Hubert NC in Onslow County, a wonderful place to live, raise a family or retire.  

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist

910 459 9189      Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

We take pride in assisting Military families in locating a home in Onslow County 

If you are from the South,  have lived in or visited the South, I am sure somebody at some time has said to you "well, bless your heart".  Am I right?

Did you wonder exactly what that person meant when he/she said that to you?  Well, actually it could have meant several different things depending on the circumstances

• Sympathy - poor thing I am so sorry
  

• Congratulations - well done, I'm proud of you

• Encouragement - good job, keep it up

• Appreciation - thank you, how sweet of you 

• Pity - poor thing does not have a clue
  

When a Southerner says to you "bless your heart",  just know that we are kind, gentle and compassionate people and we are trying to tell you that we care about you.  

Bless your heart !

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist

Contact me  9101 459 9189

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

We take pride in assisting Military families locate a home in Onslow County, NC 

Clip art courtesy of Clipart Heaven 

So you would like to get more comments on your post/blog.  That's understandable and reasonable.

We all like to know that the posts we spend precious time and brain power on are not just floating around out there in blogasphere.  We want readers to acknowledge us and our posts.

We want comments.  Even negative comments are better than no comments at all. Right? 

Believe me, I'm no expert but I have been here long enough to learn a few things and I will share what I have learned with you.   

 If you want comments on your post...you need to practice good blogging etiquette and this includes

• 1.  Reciprocate --When someone leaves a comment on your post, be sure you comment on their blog.   TLW's post "Have You Considered Reciprocating?" spells it out for us.
  
  
• 2.  Make your posts readable --You need lots of white space, bulleted points and more - Cindy Lin's post "Stage Your Blog With Style to Actually Get Your Points Across" is a great guide.
  
  
• 3.  Make your posts interesting--different things to different folks, I suppose but try not to bore us to tears with statistics and extremely long posts. 

• 4.  Thank your visitors for visiting and commenting and also those that mention you in their post - Jeff Belonger wrote a great post about that "Have You Thanked Your Blogger Friend Lately?"

• 5.  Provide links and make sure they work--that's self explanatory, right?

• 6.  Be nice -- no nasty remarks please - Covered in the  AR Community Guidelines
  
  
• 7.  Do not advertise yourself or your blog on another person's blog - also covered in the community guidelines
  
  
• 8.  Ask a question or for a response from your reader - Cyndee Hayden's post "Add Three Words to Increase  Reader Response" gives some good tips. 
  

• 9.  When you acknowledge a comment on a blog, bold the person's name so they can find it easier.
  

Perhaps we all need to join the Blogging Etiquette 101 Group, it's a good place to pick up a lot of good and helpful tips.

 Clipart courtesy of Clipart Heaven

It's going to be a week-end filled with lots of activities so mark your calendar now.  Swansboro prides itself in presenting family oriented festivals throughout the year and this is the biggest one of all.

October 13-14 - Swansboro's 53rd Mullet Festival in Downtown Swansboro            

• Food
  
  • Lots of Mullet to Eat
  • Variety of Food Vendors
    

•  Arts and Crafts

• Activities for Children

• Live Entertainment                                                                               
  • The Tams
  • Jackie Gore
  • 4 Knights
  • Clifford Curry
  • The Attractions
                          
  

Make plans now to attend this fun filled family event in Swansboro, N. C. in Onslow County.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

We take pride in assisting Military families locate a home in Onslow County NC 

Supporting our local Onslow County schools and students is very important. The athletic teams are very active and the kids put a lot of time and effort into their sports.  Your attendance and support means a lot to them. 

Why not plan to attend a game, match or meet this week?  If you have younger children, they will certainly enjoy the excitement and action of a high school sports event.  

Check the schedule I have provided.  You surely can find a game close by in Swansboro, Jacksonville or other areas of Onslow County.   

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
BOYS SOCCER                                                                                                        
Dixon at Lejeune, 6 p.m.
Swansboro at East Duplin, 6 p.m. 
West Brunswick at Jacksonville, 6 p.m.
GIRLS GOLF
Mideastern Conference meet at Echo Farms, 2 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Dixon at Jones Senior

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
BOYS SOCCER
South Brunswick at Dixon, 6 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Topsail at Dixon, 5 p.m.
East Duplin at SW Onslow, 5 p.m.
Ashley at Jacksonville, 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
BOYS SOCCER
Pamlico at Dixon, 6 p.m..m.
Hoggard at Jacksonville, 6 p.m.
GIRLS GOLF
Coastal Plains meet at Dixon, 2:30 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
Lejeune at Dixon


THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
BOYS SOCCER
Richlands at Dixon, 6 p.m.
GIRLS TENNIS
East Duplin at Jacksonville-Northside, 3:30 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Mideastern Conference meet at West Bruswick, 4 p.m.
Ashley, Hoggard, White Oak at Jacksonville, 4:30 p.m

VOLLEYBALL
East Duplin at Richlands, 5 p.m.
East Carteret at Dixon, 5 p.m..
Ashley at Jacksonville, 5:30 p.m.
Lejeune at Topsail
FIELD HOCKEY
Cary Academy at Cape Fear Academy, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
FOOTBALL
Jacksonville at Laney, 7:30 p.m.
Richlands at East Duplin, 7:30 p.m.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist  910 459 9189    Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

We take pride in assisting Military families locate a home in Onslow County NC 

Photos courtesy of Clip Art Heaven 

Isn't it funny (and helpful) the way you get ideas for blogs from other peoples' posts.  This morning I was commenting on  Real Estate and Zucchini Bread by Diane Velikis when an idea struck me.  I love it when an idea strikes because many time I have to dig for one.

If you've read my blogs you probably already know, that I enjoy cooking.  My 3 1/2 year old enjoys helping me and I believe it is a wonderful way for us to spend time together plus it is a time for learning

• different skills(measuring, chopping, etc.)
• an appreciation for different foods
  
• the importance of team work
• how to follow a plan (the recipe)
• the importance of timing  

Back to the idea that struck me this morning "perhaps the way to a listing is through a client's stomach".  This is not a totally new idea to me but I'm just looking at it from a different prospective this morning.

As a welcome gift, I often make some type of baked goods for my clients.  During the holidays, I deliver lots of homemade cookies, muffins and breads.

Today, my new idea is why limit this to past clients?  Why not get out there in my farming community in Hubert NC, randomly choose some lucky prospective clients and surprise them with one of my pumpkin breads with one of my cards attached?  Why not, indeed!

Look out those of you who own homes in Hubert NC, you may soon be the lucky recipient of a homemade pumpkin bread.

 By the way, if I don't find you, you can find me and I'll make sure you get your own pumpkin bread. 

 Contact me   Cynthia Tilghman, Onslow County Home Specialist  

910 459 91189

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

We take pride in assisting Military families find a home in Onslow County NC 

 (photo courtesy of flickr-hervilestky)

I have checked both Bruce & Linda's blogs and cannot find any posts since September 12.  Does anyone know anything more than what we learned at that time?  

Bruce has been on my mind and in my prayers daily and I am anxious to hear how things are going with him.

If you have any information, please share it with all of us.  Bruce has a special place in my heart as in a lot of yours, I am sure.   Thank you. 

There seems to be a rash of posts here on AR from many different Active Rain members stressing the importance of taking time for ourselves.

What this tells me is that we realize that we need to find a balance between work, family and friends...I agree.

But and this is a big but for me.....agreeing and doing something about it are two very different issues.

Kathy McGraw's How Valuable is Your Time --Time Management Just for You. 

Free Realtor Sales Training- How To Master Time Management by Joey Aszterbaum

Ten Tips to Master Time Management - Kristy Dunphey 

How to Balance Work and Home - Jared Hokanson 

Balancing Your Life...Refresh, Rejuvennate, Re-evaluate - Julie Neerings 

So, I thought perhaps I need to look at some photos of what is important to me to help me put work and my personal life in perspective.  

You are welcome to accompany me

                                                                                                                       
                                               (Photo courtesy of Flickr-photofern)

Hello Military Families Relocating to Camp LeJeune  or New River Air Base in Jacksonville, N C,

If you are looking for a convenient (approximately 12 minutes to back gate of Camp Lejeune), quiet, family oriented community, Kingsbridge II Subdivision in Hubert is the ideal location for you.

The school district is Swansboro and is a very highly sought district.  Swansboro High School, Swansboro Middle School and Queens Creek Elementary are about a 10 minute drive from the subdivision.  These schools have consistently received high marks.
                                                                

                                                                Swansboro High School                      Queens Creek Elementary

I like to say Hubert is an extension of Swansboro with no distinction in where one ends and the other begins. Swansboro is a wonderful historic little fishing village located on the White Oak River with many wonderful shops and restaurants.  

This area offers many wonderful recreational events, especially water related activities at Hammocks Beach, a local favorite.  Cultural events for children as well as adults are abundant and often free.

                                                                                                                                    Swansboro waterfront

Come take a look at homes in Hubert NC, there are new water front homes and water view homes as well as previously owned homes.  I look forward to hearing from you and assisting you.    Contact me

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

I promised myself my next blog would be real estate related but I when I came across this article, I knew the real estate post would have to wait.

Many of you served in the military during the Vietnam war or are related to someone who did.  I only know what I have read, heard or was taught in school (which was very little).  However, I do know it was a very unpopular war and that the soldiers did not get the recognition and support they deserved which left many bitter and scarred. 

However, there are always some people who know how to take the wrong and make a right and that is just what Michael Engi and fellow Vietnam veterans are doing.  

These Vietnam veterans drop whatever they are doing night or day to welcome home the returning troops at Fort Dix.  It is their mission to make sure these military men and women receive a hearty welcome home unlike the lonely return home they experienced. 

 
(Photo courtesy of Flickr-Jenessthemess)

This is a heart warming story about how Michael Engi organized these efforts and how welcoming home the Soldiers help heal him and his fellow Vietnam veterans.  Mr. Engi says America's newest veterans are overcome with gratitude and emotion as they are welcomed home.  

I just had to share this with you today, whether we agree or disagree with the war in Iraq, these men and women deserve our gratitude and respect. 

                                                                                                                  (Photo courtesy of Flickr-rsktphotos)

I was thinking about this today when I was running around trying to take care of various personal and business duties.  In fact, I began trying to count the many different job titles that I hold but I lost count

Let's see as a divorced mother of a 3 1/2 year old I am 

• Mommy                           
• nurse
• cook                                               
  
• teacher                     
• chauffeur
• housekeeper
• laundress
• child psychologist
• gardener
• hair dresser
• fashion consultant
• nutritionist
• social planner
• playmate 

I'm sure there are more which I have omitted.  Feel free to add any that you think of.

As a owner of a real estate business and broker I am

• CEO
• salesperson                          
• marketer
• photographer                                                           
• team leader
• communicator
• bookkeeper                                                                                                    
  
• tour guide                                     
  
• teacher/educator
  
• blogger
• computer tech
• negotiator
• mediator
• ambassador
• local expert on vendors, schools, entertainment and events 
• historian

Again, I am sure you can add to this list, feel free to do so.

Whew!!  After making this list, I can now see why I never get to the bottom of those piles on my desk or complete my daily "to do" list.  

I'm too busy changing hats!   

As I have stated here many times, I live and work near Camp Lejeune Marine base in Jacksonville, N C so quite a lot of my business is with military families.  I consider it an honor to work with these wonderful families who sacrifice so very much for all of us.  

Having said that, I work very diligently to assist these families with their housing needs, financing and any other needs they may have.

One thing I have found is that these families many times do not know where to go to get the information they need and desire about different programs such as the GI bill.

The GI bill is a wonderful educational benefit which can be earned by:     

• Active Duty
• Selected Reserve
• National Guard
• Veterans 

There are several GI programs available, each is different and depends on eligibility and military status.

For more information on all these programs, the benefits and resources visit Learn to Use Your GI Bill and the links provided. 

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist 

910 459 9189     Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

                                                                                                                           http://www.freefever.com/freeclipart/

Lobster dinners are not every day fare here in Swansboro, North Carolina so this is a special event and an event you will not want to miss.

On Saturday September 22, 11 am to 5 PM St. Peter's Episcopal Church By the Sea will host its 17th annual Lobster Fest.    The location is 503 Broad St., Swansboro.

 

(Photo courtesy of Flickr-TiffanyErnst)

A day of family fun is planned which will include

• games
• pony rides
• moon walk
• raffles

in addition to the dinner.
             

For tickets contact the church office during office hours 910 325 4757 or call Jim and Nancy Harris at 910 354 2341 Cash and check accepted  (make payable to St. Peter's)

Prices:

• Live lobster - $15                                                                      
• Cooked lobster - $16
• Lobster dinner - $20
• Chicken dinner - $10

• Towel ministry
• Fix it now fund,
  
• Belize mission trip,
  
• Shriner's Children's Hospital
  
• Wounded Warriors (Camp Lejuene) fund

For more information on St. Peter's Episcopal Church and its ministry visit their website.

                                                                                                       (Photo courtesy of Flickr-Imnotquitejack) 

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® , Onslow County Home Specialist

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. , Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military families locate a home in Onslow County NC 

Hi ladies in Onslow County, NC and surrounding area,                        

If you are looking for a something to do with your girlfriends this weekend, I have a suggestion -- The Women's Expo  2007.  This will be a fun and informative outing and you will be supporting the Women's Center in Jacksonville, a very valuable organization.

Saturday, September 15

American Legion Building, Boardhurst Road, Jacksonville NC

Admission $2.00

More than 80 vendors -  Massage therapy, home decor and more

The proceeds go to the Women's Center which assist women who are victims of domestic and sexual abuse. 

                                                                                                             (Photo property of Cynthia Tilghman)

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®. Onslow County Home Specialist

910 459 9189      Contact me

 Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

My friend, Carole Provenzale, asked me if I had a good fish recipe I would post.  Actually, what I do most of the time with fresh fish is season with salt and pepper and baste with butter and lemon juice as it grills.  But for special occasions I enjoy making a stuffed flounder.

This recipe uses flounder but I am sure any other mild fish could be used.  I promise you this is absolutely incredible and a crowd pleaser.  My Mom served this to her Gourmet dinner club and received rave reviews.

I can already hear some of you saying this is too difficult but really the fish market does the work, all you need to do is mix, stuff and bake.   

Flounder Stuffed with Crab and Shrimp Stuffing        

1 large flounder  -- 2 1/2 - 3 lb. (or your choice of fish) cleaned but left whole (yes, head removed) , make a vertical cut down the top of the fish, going under the meat to make a pocket on both sides of the fish-- (I get the fish market to do this for me)

Stuffing 

1 lb. of crab meat (I use lump, because it is the best)

1 lb. of shrimp, cleaned and cut into bite size pieces

1 large onion, chopped finely

1/4 t. Tabasco sauce

Dash of celery salt

1/2 bottle (my guess is about 6-8 oz.) Durkee sauce(it's usually with mustards, mayos, etc)

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

2 cups fresh bread crumbs

 Mix all stuffing ingredients together.  Stuff into flounder, pushing as far as you can to outside of fish--filling the pockets as full as you can.  You may have some stuffing left over which can be baked in a baking dish.

Place in a baking pan that has been sprayed with Pam.  Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your fish.   Check for doneness by flaking fish and checking to make sure shrimp in stuffing are pink.  

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189     Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes 

I just read a very interesting article by Bill Denny on mortgage fraud against senior citizens. It is an excellent article.  Perhaps it would be a good idea to share it with the elderly people in your life.

I think the reason this hit home with me is that just recently my Grandmother told me about some phone calls she has received.  Thankfully, she is still pretty sharp and realizes that these scammers are after her money. 

Many senior citizens are too trusting and are very vulnerable because they are do not have much available cash but do have a lot of equity in their home.  

Some of the scams outlined in this article:

• Cash offers -  These are well below the current value of the home and often time Senior citizens have no conception of the value of their home.

• Junk Fees - This is pretty much self explanatory but a good rule of thumb is "if fees/closing costs exceed 5% of the loan, the fees should be questioned.

• Falsifying Income - Brokers' commissions are based on the amount of the loan--the bigger the loan, the bigger the commission.  Make sure you always work with a licensed broker.
  

• Telephone Solicitations - A good tip here --"if you receive a telephone call, trying to solicit you to take out a loan, hang up--it's probably a scam."
  

• Blank Documents - Never sign a blank document period--that is just begging for trouble.

• Foreclosure Threats - Con artist watch public records for notice of defaults and come in and offer to help save the homeowner.  Be wary of anyone that contacts you and offers to help save you from foreclosure.  Instead talk with your mortgage company and ask them to work with you. 
  

 These scammers are very good at what they do.  They are very skilled at ingratiating themselves into the senior's life and trust. 

Older people remember the days of doing business with a handshake and a person's word.  The idea that someone would try to cheat them or take advantage of them is inconceivable to many Seniors.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor®, Onslow County Home Specialist   910 459 9189  Contact me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc.  , Making Houses Homes