For the past two years the Corolla Wild Horse Fund has been having a fundraising event called "Night at the Races". It is a fun event in which the public can buy tickets to use for betting on prre recorded horses races. At the end of the night the tickets can be used for special prizes. There is also a silent auction and other contests going to to help raise money for the horses. This year it falls on March 17th Saint Patrick's Day, so if you plan to be on the Outer Banks then, please stop by and and ejoy the night at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk, NC.

The Outer Banks real estate market continues to build on the momentum of 2011 with 2012 off to a roaring start!! The numbers are in for January and what a January it was!! Prices continue to rise, up 3.5% from 2011's 5.5% increase, Sales were up 17% from January 2011 and that's not even the most impressive stat. Two stats really blew me away and is an indication that the Outer Banks market is officially back. 1) The number of houses put under contract, up 38% from a year ago, that's huge 2) The number of distressed property sales dropped 20% from 2011!! Normally we don't see under contract numbers this large until March and April. Buyers know that prices are going up and the best houses are selling quick. For the first time since 2005-06 I have seen listings hit the market and sell within 30 to 90 days ( I am not just talking about foreclosures). The number of active listings continued to drop another 6% from this time last year marking a 25% total reduction in active listings from 2008. This brings our market back to the top of our "normal" range of active listings. Rates are holding steady around 4% with 20% down for a 30yr fixed mortgage. Jumbo loans are also close to all time low's making it more affordable than ever to own a beach house. The competition among buyers to get the best houses is heating up. Buy now and get almost 100% of 2012 rental income with only 9 months or less of expenses!!

2011 was the beginning of the next up cycle in the Outer Banks real estate market and all signs point to 2012 moving even higher.

Now search all Outer Banks homes for sale from your smart phone ... FREE! You can also search lots and land as well as commercial.

It's easy! From your smart phone search for www.lindapowers.OBXwhere.com then simply save to your home screen.

Here's our logo you will see.
Just click on "search" and choose your search type.

When you're here at the beach you can search both
Dare and Curriticuck counties for property near you
OR
You can choose your criteria for town, price, income,
location, number of bedrooms.

You can see your search results on a map or list.

Make notes on each property - save to favorites.
Contact me for showing or additional information.
From the search page get community and event information.

Enjoy this great app for Outer Banks real estate and homes for sale. Just think of us when you consider buying or selling. We love working with folks like you from Corolla through Nags Head. Give us a call today at 252-599-2845 with your questions. Or email us.

The Outer Banks Voice

Park Service sets beach driving permit prices

Driving on the beach at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore will cost $50 for a seven-day permit and a $120 for a year.

The fees were announced Wednesday as the National Park Service prepares to put new rules for beach driving into effect Feb. 15.

Originally mandated by a presidential directive in the 1970s, management of access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore went through a years-long process before the final rule for off-road vehicle use was published on Jan. 23.

The rule restricts driving to designated areas to protect shorebirds and vegetation.

Permits will be available beginning on Feb. 15 at three NPS
ORV permit offices — Coquina Beach just south of Nags Head, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center in Buxton Ocracoke Visitor Center.

The offices will be open year-round, seven days a week, except on Christmas Day, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with expanded hours on weekends and holidays during the
summer.

An annual permit is valid for the calendar year and the seven-day permit is valid from the date issued.

“In order to provide the public with ample time to obtain a permit, there
will be a transition period between February 15 and March 15 before the
rule is fully implemented and enforced,” the park service said in a statement.

Answers to frequently asked questions and a map showing designated off-road vehicle routes and pedestrian areas where ORVs are not allowed can be found at www.nps.gov/caha.

Oceanfront

220 Ocean Boulevard

Gorgeous Ocean Views - 5 Bedrooms 4.5 Baths

Semi-Oceanfront

219 Ocean Boulevard

Semi Oceanfront - 7 Bedrooms 7 Baths 2 Partial Baths

Soundfront

161 Yaupon Trail

Soundfront Second Home - 4 Bedrooms 2 Baths

Canalfront

120 Duck Woods Drive

Lots of Extras - Boat Dock - 3 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths

Golf Course Frontage

88 South Dogwood Trail

Duck Woods Country Club Course - 3 Bedrooms 3.1 Baths

5 Bedroom Westside

146 Poteskeet Loop

Private - Pool - 5 Bedrooms 4.1 Baths

4 Bedroom Westside

22 Ocean View Loop

Ocean Access - Pool - 4 Bedrooms 2.1 Baths

3 Bedroom Westside

311 Hillcrest Drive

Attached Garage - X Flood Zone - 3 Bedrooms 3 Baths

Sea Crest Village

10 Ninth Avenue

3 lots oceanfront - custom pool - 4 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths

Chicahauk

82 Spindrift Trail

Wood flooring - near beach access - 4 Bedrooms 2.5 Baths