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Page 12 The Shoreline March 2006 Support our advertisers when you can and tell them you saw their ad in the... ■I What’s Happening in Beacon’s Reach By Char^ McBriarty 2006 BERN. iioiiie,. '' CJarden s ttow Saturday, March 18 9 am - 3 pin Sunday, March 19 10 am - 4 pm Located at tlie New Bern Riverfront Convention Center Downtov.ii Vew Bern FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO ENCSHOWS.COM Have you been considering building, remodeling or landscaping now or for the future? Then Stop By The It offers the latest products and services for your home and garden all under one roof. aCTS-TlMES Vl033 March 3: 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. March 4: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 5; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Crystal^coast =CIV1C CENTER= WHERE EVERY EVENT IS WATERFRONT: www.crystalcoastcivicctr.com 3505 Arendell St. Morehead City, NC 252-247-3883 It seems as though I just completed the initial article, and already it’s time for the second installment. Time does fly - when you’re having fun or you’re retired! I’m unsure which appUes. If by chance you read the first installment of “What’s Happening,” you may recall that a tour of Beacon’s Reach was suggested. Since the weather has been decent, a bike tour seemed to be in order. Most surprising was the number of realtor signs displayed in Beacon’s Reach. Neighbors encountered mentioned that the number of homes on the market was unusually high and wondered about the reasons behind the phenomenon. It struck me as a good topic j to explore. To gather some factual information a call was made to a neighbor, who happens to be in the business. First, the housing market has experienced significant slowing since September. In fact, only one Beacon’s Reach property sale has been finalized since December. The current inventory of real estate is higher than it has been in over a decade. Of the 56 Pine Knoll Shores units found on multiple listing, 21 were located in Beacon’s Reach. Of those 21, 11 are condo units, 10 are single-family houses, and there were no lots listed. To use real estate parlance there has been a shift from a sellers’ I to a buyers’ market. I Anumberoffactorsappeartobecontributingto this shift. This past hurricane season which saw an inordinately high number of tropical storms and hurricanes, including Katrina and Ophelia, is given credit for some of the slow-down. Another factor was the overall easing of the housing boom that the nation and this area has experienced. It is also speculated tiiat this area may have priced itself out of the market. WELLS WAYSIDE ^^Quality Furniture at Guaranteed Lowest Prices WELLS WAYSIDE FURNITURE Hwy. 70 West • Havelock, NC CREDIT TERMS Since 1952 447-8101 As the price of units rose throughout Pine Knoll Shores, including Beacon’s Reach, the number of buyers having the ability to pay the higher McBriarty prices has been significantiy reduced. What are the characteristics of those finding tiiemselves in the seller’s position? A number of them have found that at this point in their life there is reason to move closer to family or to move into retirement communities. There are others who purchased a “beach house” only to find that it has not been utilized as ft^uentiy as expected and they have decided to take advantage of the increasedvalueofthatunit. Then there are those who purchased as an investment, and now is the time to capitalize on that investment. What can be done to sell when it is a buyers market? My neighbor offered a couple of suggestions. First, tiie better the condition - inside and outside - the more appealing it is to more potential buyers. Hire an experienced Realtor, one who can ensure that a virtual tour of your home will be available on the Internet. Nationally, research has found that 80% of the homes on the market can be found on the Internet. Finally, buyers need to be patient and prepared to negotiate. There is a promise of spring in the air as the hours of daylight increase. The Beacon’s Reach physical plant is looking better each week. The rye grass is a bright green, daisies are bright and cheery, and planting beds have been freshly edged and mulched. The repair of tiie hurricane ravaged walkways and marina is virtually complete. The two damaged piers have been repaired and the third pier should be completed by publication time. Overall, the entire marina looks better than it has in some time. Asa matter of fact, its improved appearance has stimulated therefijrbishingof The Snackery-the snackbar adjacent to the marina and pool. This upgrade, which will further enhance the appearance of the marina area, should be completed soon. As for the oceanfront sand fences, replacement bids are due and replacement is expected to get underway by mid-month. Speaking of bids, the cost of replacing two tennis courts with artificial turfwashigherthananticipated. At thispointthe upgrading of two courts, reported last time, has been delayed while the feasibility of developing clay rather than the artificial courts is reevaluated. Finally, the proposal sent to the mayor to explore the feasibility of developing a Pine Knoll Shores bike path is still being studied. So it goes in Beacon’s Reach with the hope that spring is around the next comer. nice's Appliances & Electronics SOURCE Builder Sales and Fully Stocked Parts & Service Department With next day delivery on special orders. 2518 Meuse Blvd. Neuse Village Shopping Ctr. New Bern, NC 28562 638-2437
The Shore Line (Pine Knoll Shores, N.C.)
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