Onslow County NC Homes Talk

Our Military is Keeping Watch - A Christmas Poem

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:10:18 -0600

This was sent to me by a friend whose son is serving in Afghanistan. Granted, it's a little long and moves a little slow but I promise you it is worth your time and I believe it will touch your heart. I hope you'll take the time to watch it.

A Different Christmas Poem

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone. They do not reflect or express the opinions of Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. Cynthia Tilghman and Kingsbridge Realty, Inc. are not responsible for the accuracy and/or content provided by ActiveRain and its Members..

Letter to Santa From Onslow County NC RE Agent

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:20:23 -0600

I was looking through my old post and found this one that I posted in December 2007--I could have written it this morning!

Dear Santa,
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I am sure you are very busy checking and rechecking lists.

You know I am a real estate agent and that this has been a challenging year for those of us in this business. I am sure you have read in the paper and heard on tv and radio about the decline in sales in the housing market and all the problems in the lending industry.

It's true, sales are off in most areas and there are people having trouble making their mortgage payments. However, there are still buyers out there who understand the market is ripe for those ready to buy and for this we are thankful.

So, what should a real estate agent experiencing a slow market put on her Christmas list? For me, it is simple because you see I am very blessed. I have

a loving family

caring friends

loyal clients

good health

a comfortable home

plenty of food

a reliable car.

Dear Santa, my wish may not be as simple as some but if there is anything you can do to help me, I would surely appreciate it. My wish is that

All agents and consumers have FAITH and HOPE in themselves, each other, our market and our country.

You see Santa, I believe that with faith and hope we will work through this challenging time and come out more educated, better prepared, more compassionate and ready to work and help our clients in a way that will best serve their needs.

Santa, if you were planning to bring me those beautiful, black leather Jimmy Choo boots that I saw and admired last month, please don't...there must be a woman somewhere who needs boots more than I.

My closet is filled to the brim, I really don't need any more "stuff". Thank you and Merry Christmas, Santa.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Graphic courtesy of ClipArt Heaven

Santa's Secret Wish

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:02:12 -0600

Here's a poem that I found some time ago that I really like and thought you might enjoy it too.

On Christmas Eve,
a young boy with light in his eyes,
Looked deep into Santa's,
to Santa's surprise,
And said as he nestled on Santa's broad knee,
"I want your secret, tell it to me."

He leaned up & whispered in Santa's good ear,
"How do you do it, year after year?"
"I want to know how, as you travel about,
Giving gifts here & there, you never run out.

How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys,
You have plenty for all of the world's girls & boys?
Stays so full, never empties as you make your way
From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large & small,

From nation to nation, reaching them all?

And Santa smiled kindly & said to the boy,

"Don't ask me hard questions.
Don't you want a toy?"

But the child shook his head, and Santa could see
That he needed the answer. "Now listen to me,"
He told the small boy with the light in his eyes,
"My secret will make you sadder & wise.

"The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside
It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.
But although I do visit each girl & each boy
I don't always leave them a gaily wrapped toy.

Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad.
Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.
Some homes are broken, & children there grieve.
Those homes I visit, but what should I leave?

"My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff,
But for homes where despair lives,
toys aren't enough.
So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl & boy,
And pray with them that they'll be given the joy

Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives
In the heart of the dear child who gets not,
but gives.
If only God hears me & answers my prayer,
When I visit next year, what I will find there

Are homes filled with peace,
and with giving, and love
And boys and girls gifted with light from above.
It's a very hard task, my smart little brother,
To give toys to some,
and to give prayers to others.

But the prayers are the best gifts,
the best gifts indeed,
For God has a way of meeting each need.
"That's part of the answer.
The rest, my dear youth,
Is that my sack is magic, And that is the truth.

In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day
More love than a Santa could e'er give away.
The sack never empties of love, or of joys
'Cause inside it are prayers, and hopes.
Not just toys.

The more that I give, the fuller it seems,
Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams.
"And do you know something?
You've got a sack, too.
It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you.

It never gets empty, it's full from the start.
It's the centre of lights, and of love. It's your heart.
And if on this Christmas you want to help me,
Don't be so concerned with your gifts
'neath your tree.

Open that sack, call your heart, & share
Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care."
The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing.
"Thanks for the secret. I've got to be going."

"Wait, little boy," said Santa "don't go.
Will you share? Will you help?
Will you use what you know?"
And just for a moment the small boy stood still,
Touched his heart with his small hand & whispered,

"I will."

Author: Betty Werth Westrope

Photo property of Cynthia Tilghman

Easy & Quick Way to Say Thanks to Our Troops

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:32:32 -0600

If you have been reading my blogs, you know that I live and work in Onslow County North Carolina home of Camp LeJeune Marine Base, New River Air Station and The Naval Hospital at Camp LeJeune all located in Jacksonville NC.

Military families are my clients, friends, co-workers and neighbors. I cannot begin to tell you how much respect and gratitude I have for these families and their service to our country. They sacrifice their lives for you and me!

If you ask most Americans if they support the troops, their answer would be "Yes". I believe that is true in spirit but what do you (and most Americans) do to show their support? Sadly, the answer is "NOTHING". I urge you to take the few minutes it takes to send a thank you to military personnel serving overseas.

Xerox provides the card and instructions. It's quick, easy and so appreciated by our Troops. The site is "Let's Say Thanks".
Now go, do it! Oh and one more thing you can do --- pray for our troops safe return.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

The Quiet News from the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:12:00 -0600

Camp LeJeune Families, take note--this is important and exciting new for you.

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

With all of the hoopla surrounding the extension of the first time homebuyers tax credit as part of the "Unemployment Compensation Act of 2009" a small portion of the bill was overlooked.

Perhaps if you don't work with military families or aren't in a community that has faced a decline in home values you might not even known that H.R. 3548 saved military families who are using the expanded Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) a 25% up front tax penality when they sold their home.

For some families this has meant the difference from being able to take advantage of the benefits of the Department of Defense program or not. A 25% upfront tax penality is not money that all military families have lying around just waiting to give to give up. The other great news is that HAP files are processing and checks are being issued. Two of the homes that I have under contract for Northern Virginia military families eligible for HAP are on to the final stages of processing.

The other great news is that this bill also extended until November 30, 2010 the opportunity for military families who have been stationed overseas for at least 3 months in 2009 the chance to take advantage of the first time home buyers tax credit.

Thanks to Congress for understanding the need to provide a way for those who serve our country to be able to make their next PCS move a bit less financially stressful.

If you are a military family living in the Northern Virginia area and are eligible for the expanded HAP benefits give me a call at 703-346-2213. I've been working with families in your situation this year and can help you navigate the process of understanding the Department of Defense HAP benefits and getting your home sold in our current market.

Military Provisions In Tax Credit Bill

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:33:05 -0600

Are you aware that under current law those serving in the military who buy their first home are not likely to be able to use the first time home buyers credit?

I work with military families relocating to Camp LeJeune, New River Air Station and The Naval Hospital at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, N C and this has been such a disappointment to these families.

Most military are only at a duty station for a short period of time and must sell the house they have purchased before the 36 month requirement in the current law is fulfilled--which means they are not eligible for the tax credit.

Finally, someone is looking out for our service men and women.

Our own North Carolina Representative, Walter B. Jones introduced language earlier in the year that has been written into the new law that would allow military personnel to retain the first time home buyer's credit if they need to sell their home within the first 36 months due to deployment or transfers.

Thanks Rep. Walter Jones for looking out for our military families!

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

Remember, Honor and Thank A Veteran Today

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:05:39 -0600

Today is a special day -- a day set aside to remember, honor and thank the men and women who served their country and fought for our freedom.

Military.Com has some wonderful links that provide history, information and ideas for involving children.

The History of Veterans Day

Celebrate Veterans Day With Your Children

Veterans Day Discounts

Tomb of the Unknowns

I challenge you to take the time to say "thank you" to a vet today--they deserve so much more!

"Thank a Veteran For Your Freedom"

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

$8,000 Tax Credit Extension and Expansion Coming!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:05:29 -0600

According to various news reports, the Congress has reached a tentative agreement to extend and perhaps expand the $8,000 tax credit.

The details reported:

1. The $8,000 tax credit extension would cover first-time home buyers who sign a contract for a home by the end of April and close by the end of June.

2. Create a $6,500 tax credit for those who buy a home, but have owned a home for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight years.

3. The income limit would be raised to $125,000 a year for individuals and $225,000 for married couples.

All is contigent on the approval House and signed by the President.

For more information:

Senate Likely to Extend Tax Credit

Capitol Briefing -Senate Passes Bill to Extend Tax Credit

If you have been waiting or thought you had missed the boat -- it looks like you have a second chance.

Call me and let's get the ball rolling for your new home in Hubert, Swansboro, Jacksonville in Onslow County NC.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

Fall Fishing in Hubert, Swansboro and Jacksonville North Carolina

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:58:19 -0500

October may be all about ghosts, goblins and pumpkins to some in Onslow County NC, but to many residents living in Hubert, Swansboro, Jacksonville or stationed at Camp LeJeune Marine base; it's all about the fabulous fall fishing! The fishing is at its best in the Fall. The water has cooled down and the fish are heading back to the inshore waters all along the coast of North Carolina.

The Fisherman's Post is a great website that concentrates on local fishing and offers advice/tips for the novice and pro fishermen

Where to find the best fishing spots

What kind of bait to use

The best time of day to fish
What kind of fish one can expect to catch

Calendar of Local Tournaments and Events

What about the weather you may ask? The answer is "PERFECTION"

So, grab your rod and reel, pick up some bait and head on down to Onslow County NC --the fish are biting and the weather is beautiful.

Once you get here, I know you will want to stay-- everybody does. Give me a call and I'll help you find the perfect home!

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

I Need Your Help. Your Reward? Great Blogs With Great Info. REBlogworld/Blogworld Expo In Las Vegas!

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:20:00 -0500

Ok, guys let's all help our AR brother out!

Via Matt Stigliano (RE/MAX Access):

photo courtesy of nodomain1

I love blogging.

You may have noticed before, but it's a fact, I love to blog about real estate. It's good for my business, but I actually find it enjoyable too. In that vein, I would like to make it to this year's Blogworld and New Media Expo (including REBlogworld). Of course, these things cost money and there are expenses...blah blah blah. However, Alltop is sponsoring a contest to allow 3 lucky winners to attend this year's event.

I entered, but I need your help. First of all, I misread a rule, which has seriously put me behind the curve. I thought I was doing okay, but realized that the rule was rather specific and I needed to get moving - so I turn to you, the ActiveRain community for help.

The grand prize for the contest is entrance to the conference as well as hotel accommodations. With those two paid for, I can deal with the flights and food for the three days. I need to win this. Imagine how many blogs I'll churn out when I get back with all the new info I've acquired. Think of me as your Blogworld corespondent. I will report back to you - all you have to do is get me to the top! I don't know what it will take to get me there (I don't even know who's in the lead), but with the power of the ActiveRain and Twitter community, I'm willing to bet (Las Vegas - get it?) that I can win this!

Imagine how this will benefit the ActiveRain community as well! Having the power of 160K+ members pushing to help me accomplish this goal will certainly make people think that ActiveRain is the place to be.

Here's what I need:

First, reblog this post if you can. By spreading the word, there will be more opportunity for more people to act upon it. Put it in every category you can think of and make sure everyone of ActiveRain's members see it! I could care less about the points gained from the reblogs, so ActiveRain can pull the points - this is about getting me to Blogworld and REBlogworld.

Second, you need to retweet the information necessary in order for me to be counted. Visit MyAlltop page and at the bottom you will see a "retweet" button:

Click the retweet button. Click it whenever you have a few free seconds. Tell your friends to click it. Please don't sit there and click it 100 times in a row. I don't want to get the boot for "stuffing the ballot box." The contest ends at 8:00 am Pacific Time on October 1, 2009, so I need your clicks up until then. Let's get as many as we can and show everyone the power of ActiveRain, get me to Vegas, and let me bring back and share all that I have learned!

Please use the retweet button and have everyone you know retweet it too! This would be huge for me and I appreciate all the help I can get!
All content ©2008-2009 by Matt Stigliano, Realtor® unless otherwise noted.

Matt Stigliano, Realtor®

RE/MAX Access

(210) 646-HOME

www.RErockstar.com

"Your all access pass to San Antonio real estate."

Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook.

Ready to Buy A Home in Hubert, Swansboro or Jacksonville NC?

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:17:58 -0500

There's more to buying a home than just finding the one that has the right number of bedrooms, is in the neighborhood of your choice or located near school or work.

Here's four questions you should ask and answer:

Have you researched the market ? Knowing what homes are selling for in the area you want to buy will help you understand and determine what you will have to spend to get the home you want and/or need.
Do you know how much house you can afford? A mortgage payment should not exceed more than 25% of your gross monthly earnings. Mortgage payments that exceed 1/4 of your income could lead to financial troubles.
Do you have enough money for a down payment and closing costs? Down payments vary but a safe plan is 20% of the selling price. Closing costs range from 2% to 7%. The exception is a VA loan which requires no downpayment. If you qualify for a VA loan, by all means that is the way to go!
Is your credit report accurate? Incorrect information on your credit report can cost you more money in higher interest rates. Request reports from the three major national credit bureaus and reports mistakes immediately. Then, follow up and make sure mistakes are corrected.

So, are you ready? If so give me a call and let's get started.

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Buying A Home Near Camp LeJeune Marine Base

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:01:19 -0500

Ok, you have your PC orders and you will be relocating to Camp LeJeune Marine Base, New River Air Station or the Naval Hospital at Camp LeJuene.

The next step is finding a home that will fit your family's needs. First you must decide the area you want live--will it be

Jacksonville, NC - the county seat of Onslow County and the largest town in the county
Swansboro NC - a unique,small historic village on the White Oak River
Hubert NC - a small community between Swansboro and Jacksonville--a very short drive to Camp LeJeune
Richlands NC - a mostly rural area near Jacksonville and the bases

Each area is unique and special in its own way, it all a matter of personal preference.

As always, I welcome your emails and questions.

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Hubert, Swansboro, Jacksonville NC - Labor Day Weekend

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:53:00 -0500

What are your plans for this long Labor Day weekend in Jacksonville, Swansboro, Hubert NC? You know we are very fortunate, we have so many wonderful entertainment options especially this time of year.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the Labor Day weekend in Onslow County NC, most of these destinations are free or very affordable.

Camp LeJeune families often ask me what kind of entertainment is there is Jacksonville NC?

Here are some the answer I give them

Take the boat out or head to one of the public beach and enjoy the beautiful Eastern North Carolina weather

Onslow County NC - Public Boat Ramps/Beaches

Pack a lunch and take the kids to the Park for some free, relaxing and fun family time

Swansboro NC - New Playground

Pull out the camper and/or tents, load up the family and go Camping

Camping Near Hubert, Swansboro NC

Celebrate the official end of summer at the beach

Swimming at Bear Island

Hammocks State Par k

Everyone enjoys visiting a zoo--yes, there is a zoo in Jacksonville NC

Lywood Park Zoo - Jacksonville NC

Start up the car and make a short drive to neighboring Carteret County for an educational and fun day

NC Acquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Fort Macon State Park

However you choose to celebrate this Labor Day Week-end, I hope you enjoy it.

And if I can assist you in your search for a home in Hubert, Swansboro, Jacksonville, Richlands or surrounding areas of Onslow County North Carolina, please contact me.

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

NC Road/Driving Laws - Did You Know?

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:45:32 -0500

Are you aware that some road/driving laws are unique to states? It's true, they are. If you are relocating to Camp LeJeune Marine Base, New River Air Station or the Naval Hospital at Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville North Carolina; here are some things you need to know:

Fender Bender Law

The "Fender Bender" law requires motorists to move their vehicles to the shoulder of the road following minor, non-injury crashes. If you don’t follow the law, you could face a $110 fine and court costs.

Move Over Law

Under the "Move Over" law, motorists are required to move over one lane, if possible, or reduce speed for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the shoulder of the highway, including public service vehicles with amber lights. Violating the law could result in a $500 fine.

Quick Clearance Law
The "Quick Clearance" law centers on getting vehicles out of the roadway. It states that if law enforcement and NCDOT agree that a vehicle and its cargo pose a safety concern, they can move it by any means necessary without facing any liability.

NC Litter Law
North Carolina law states it is illegal to dispose of litter on public or private property, unless you own that property. If you violate the law, you could face fines up to $200 and community service work.

Parking on Highways
Parking on highways is prohibited.

Cell Phone Use by Drivers Younger Than 18
Drivers younger than 18 are prohibited from using a mobile telephone while driving except in the case of an emergency or when talking to a parent or spouse. Violators pay a $25 fine, but receive no driver license points, insurance surcharge or court costs.

Headlights
Motorists are required to use their headlights from sunset to sunrise and when light conditions restrict visibility to 400 feet or less. Motorists are also required to use headlights while operating windshield wipers during inclement weather.

NC Helmet Law
Helmets are required by law when riding on a motorcycle or moped. Children up to age 16 are required to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.

Seat Belts
All vehicle occupants including those in the back seat are required to wear seat belts. Front seat passengers who violate the law will receive a $25 fine. Back seat passengers will receive a $10 fine. Children up to age 8 and weighing less than 80 pounds must be secured in a safety seat while riding in a vehicle. Older children must transition to booster seats before graduating to an adult safety belt. Drivers who fail to properly secure their children face $125 in fines and court costs, as well as a two-point penalty on their driving record. For more information about seat belts and child restraints, visit www.buckleupnc.org.

Right Turn on Red
Right turns at a traffic signal with a red light are permitted after a complete stop, unless otherwise posted. Left turns on red are not permitted.

Traffic Crashes
Traffic crashes involving death, personal injury or property damage of $1,000 or more must be reported to the nearest law enforcement officer or agency. Failure to make this report may result in prosecution or driver license suspension.

Driving While Impaired
Motorists with a blood alcohol concentration at or greater than 0.08 percent are charged with driving while impaired. Minimum punishment is a possible fine of up to $200 and a possible term of imprisonment ranging from 24 hours to 30 days. Maximum punishment is a possible fine of up to $4,000 and a possible term of imprisonment ranging from 30 days to two years.

License Suspension law
A person convicted of DWI will also have his or her license suspended by NCDOT’s Division of Motor Vehicles for at least one year. Persons with a prior DWI conviction may be subject to punishment as a felon and their vehicle may be seized and sold.

And if I can assist you in your search for a home in Hubert, Swansboro, Jacksonville, Richlands or surrounding areas of Onslow County North Carolina, please contact me.

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina

Hubert NC - Beautiful Waterfront Lot

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:07:11 -0500

A fabulous house site located on Queen's Creek in the Kingsbridge II Subdivision in Hubert NC surrounded by beautiful homes in a family oriented neighborhood.

Conveniently located - approximately 12 minutes to the back gate of Camp LeJeune Marine Base in Jacksonville NC. Approximately 5-8 minutes to schools, shopping and banking.

Search the Jacksonville NC MLS

Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor, Onslow County Home Specialist 910 459 9189 Email Me

Kingsbridge Realty, Inc., Making Houses Homes

We take pride in assisting Military Families locate a home in Onslow County when relocating to Camp Lejeune North Carolina

Area expert for homes in Hubert North Carolina