I used to live in Malibu CA and everyone asked me, “Why do you live where there are Fires, Mudslides and Earthquakes every year?”. Now I live on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the same folks ask “How can you live where there are Hurricanes, and Nor’easters?”.
But you already know the answer; it is beautiful, the oceans are breathtaking and I am not looking for safety. I am content with paradise.
Life is like that. Adventure requires risk. Status Quo requires, well, maintaining the same old same old. That has never been my goal.
Real estate is a new career for me. It was my last resort. I did not choose it because of my love for real estate. On the Outer Banks, one of the few ways to earn a good living is selling real estate. And I wanted to stay here after my job taking care of my father ended with his death in February.
But like almost everything else in my life, the best things happen when I am trying to make plans! Real estate is the place for me, absolutely. But how would I have known? For 18 years I owned an executive search firm in Los Angeles. Not even close to real estate, I thought. In fact, in July, 2000, when I came to Southern Shores to keep an eye on my Dad I expected to be here a couple years, three tops, then return to Malibu, start another search firm and jump back into my life on the Pacific Coast.
What I would have missed if my dad had left that soon! His living to the age of 97 afforded me the luxury of developing a loving relationship with him as an adult and the time to recognize this Atlantic paradise is where I wish to be more than any place else on earth. I love The Outer Banks!
My past work experience taught me to treat everyone with respect, check the facts, take responsibility for my own actions, set goals and have fun. With that background, my real estate business already feels like an old friend. I am looking forward to building a business based on client relationships and referrals, which is what I know. My future feels full of promise when many of my peers are retiring. That may be their status quo, but for me adventure is where it is at!!
Thanks, Dad, for the everything. And thanks to life for the surprises.
Transactions involving a lender outside our local area have been a nightmare! Here on the Outer Banks of North Carolina the market is mostly second homes, retirement homes and/or investment properties. In most cases, my buyer and seller clients do not live here. Because of the logistics, sometimes a client will want to use “their bank” in their own hometown to purchase property hundreds of miles away. That is when the trouble begins.
Here are the reasons I argue for using a lender familiar with the area of the subject property. I would love to hear about your own experiences in this area. Perhaps you have some tips for me to use when I must deal with non-local lenders! Thanks!
I have always had private health insurance I paid for myself as a self employed middle class, working single parent. When I turned 65 I had to enroll in Medicare plus purchase a “supplemental prescription plan and “supplemental medical plan” to have barely adequate coverage. At a cost almost equal to my very expensive PPO with Blue Cross, I now have less coverage, the doctors get lower payments and I am suspect at a doctor’s office because of my “medicare status “ until I explain that I have supplemental coverage and offer to pay the difference. And I am in perfect health!
Another article like the one by Ross Douthat of the NY Times accusing “elderly, retirees, seniors & over 65” of robbing the country of health care reform is silly.
Get real. Most everyone I know over 65 and under 75 is not retired, but working longer and harder than ever. We are also the ones who paid for these programs with our own tax money, most of us for over 50 years of hard work.
And we don’t need health care reform? To the hysterics who cannot spell their protests signs to the anti-older haters, I say stop screaming at each other. Our current system works for no one except the medical related industries who are really stirring the pot. Maybe we need brain reform before we can wise up, get behind real health care reform and get along!
One topic at our Realtor Association meeting last week was branding our community. As many know, the Outer Banks has been known as “Fishermen’s Paradise” for generations. And our beaches are known as some of the best in the country. However, with the onslaught of the “Consent Decree” beach closings and increased fishing regulations, our Paradise is less about fishing & beaching each year! As one who loves casual bike riding, I think our community could be an ideal destination for others who cycle, either casually or seriously. What can we do to bring this sport into our brand? How about contiguous bike routes from Hatteras to Corolla? Some paths could be along the roads and some closer to the ocean and/or sound. We already have the most important ingredient for success, an unparalleled environment compatible with this sport for 8 months out of the year. It does not depend on “beach weather”, would extend our season and expand our visitor demographic. Let’s start a discussion around this topic beginning with cycling and moving on from there. What do you think?
I have resigned my membership in the Defenders of Wildlife, an organization whose efforts to save wolves from vicious aerial shooting I have supported for over a decade. Those who know me are aware of my love for all animals. But I believe their misguided participation in the beach closings on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore "consent decree" has damaged our culture, our economy and our wildlife. Over the 4th of July weekend, 67% of the beaches along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore had no access. The next weekend the number rose to 70%. After the first full year of the "consent decree" results are down for the oystercatcher and the piping plover. Cape Point, our prized surf fishing destination, inaccessible! For generations this environment has been treated with love and respect by its' inhabitants whose very lives depend upon the welfare of the birds, fish, turtles and land. Removing the stewardship of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore from those who care for it the most is unreasonable and shortsighted. The proof is in the damage done to the wildlife as well as the community's economy in just 12 months. Please join me in supporting bills moving through the US House of Representatives and the Senate that would restore the authority of the National Park Service to preserve the beach access to the seashore. They are H.R. 718 and S. 1557. Spread the word; call your congressman and senators. Please do whatever you can to help that future generations will have the opportunity to marvel in the wonder that is the Outer Banks! Help us Preserve and Protect, Not Prohibit. Go to Outer Banks Preservation Association.
I have over 20 years in sales and working with clients. Whether you are looking for investment property or a family home, together we will achieve your goals.
My name is Morgan Mason and I am a Realtor with Sun Realty. I live and work in the Southern Shores area of the Outer Banks and I love this place. My Jack Russell terrier, Fannie Rose, often accompanies me on my adventures. She lost her front leg to cancer, but she can still out run me! Together we make quite a team.
Community is an essential part of family, of lifestyle, and of real estate. Where you buy will not only affect your lifestyle, but your home's future value. We have many communities and neighborhoods, each with their own personality and style, here on the Outer Banks. And I know them all. Not only is it my job, it is my passion. Let me show you around. Together we can determine your preferences and find the house you really want. It's a wonderful place to call home.
I also work with a lot of people who are interested in purchasing investment property or income-producing property. It is definitely a buyers market and the Outer Banks remains an excellent investment. Let me know what your real estate goals are and we will start the process of achieving them together.
The Southern Shores Community
Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Currituck Sound and Ginguite Creek, Southern Shores is a premiere residential community on the Outer Banks. Located along US 158 and NC 12, Southern Shores is known for its great weather and beautiful homes. Because Southern Shores lies between Rt. 12 and 158, residents do not experience traffic jams as other communities do. Southern Shores is the only community that has two main roads into and out of the residential area. This community is predominately residential, but also vacation-oriented, with most homes within walking distance of the beach or sound.
Southern Shores is a beautiful town, with much of the natural vegetation left intact and has a marvelous stretch of beach with low-density oceanfront development. Southern Shores beach accesses are not public; only residents and vacationers staying in the area are allowed to use them. The soundside of the town offers dense maritime forest vegetation and canals leading to the sound as well as a marina. There are a variety of houses for rent in Southern Shores, from stately oceanfront homes to rustic flat-tops.
Southern Shores is home to the Duck Woods Country Club golf course, a semi-private facility. The town also has a wonderful path for walkers, joggers and bikers, and it connects to the commercial areas of town.
Population: 2,600 in winter and 10,000 in summer
Beaches: Private with parking by permit only
The Duck Community
To the north of Southern Shores lies Duck, situated between the sound and the ocean with 7 miles of Atlantic beaches, miles of bike path and a walkable village center with shops, restaurants, a soundfront park. The Town of Duck has no public beach accesses. It is a resort town with most housing in rental programs. Extremely crowded in summer months with traffic on Rt. 12 at a crawl from the bridge to Corolla.
Duck is a relatively new vacation destination.Twenty years ago there were only a handful of locals, a few rustic vacation cottages scattered around the dunes and one gas station. In the 1980s, things started changing in the tiny village. The vacation homes in Duck came first, then the shops, restaurants and recreational facilities. Duck wasn't even an official town until 2002, but now it's a full-fledged vacation area that offers everything you need for a great time at the beach.
Population: 520 year-round, 30,000 in summer
Beaches: Private with limited parking
The Corolla Community
Until about 25 years ago, Corolla was a well-kept secret and was often referred to as North Carolina's last beach frontier. Today, Corolla is an increasingly popular east coast vacation destination. Here you will find all of the amenities that you want for a relaxing and fun vacation. Corolla offers luxurious seaside accommodations, polished landscaping and upscale shopping and dining experiences. Corolla's beaches are clean and vast with beautiful white sand. In the off-season you can even find great isolated stretches of beach to have all to yourself.
Corolla is steeped in history, much of it just recently being discovered by visitors. On December 1, 1875, the beacon of the Currituck Beach Lighthouse filled the remaining "dark spot" on the North Carolina coast between the Cape Henry Lighthouse to the north and Bodie Island Lighthouse to the south. The structure is made of approximately one million bricks. Climbing to the top of the 214 steps of the lighthouse is well worth the effort. The view of the Outer Banks coastline is amazing.
The Whalehead Club, located in Currituck Heritage Park, is another piece of Corolla's history. Situated on 39 acres of soundfront property, it was built by Edward and Marie Knight in 1925. They referred to the 21,000 square ft. private residence as their cottage on the sound. This "jewel by the sea" is open to the public. The Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, wild Spanish Mustangs that roam the 4-wheel drive area, fishing, and kayaking are also reasons why Corolla is so popular with locals and visitors alike.
Population: 500 year-round, 50,000 in summer
Beaches: Public beach access is limited
The Kitty Hawk Community
The town of Kitty Hawk is located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The Atlantic Ocean is to the East and the Albemarle Sound to the West. Kitty Hawk is famous for the first controlled, powered airplane flight made in 1903 by the Wright brothers.
Kitty Hawk ha mixture of year-round residents and rental properties. The beaches are more narrow as you go farther south and the real estate is less expensive.
Kitty Hawk to the south has rental properties, a fishing pier, public beach access, restaurants, shops and the Regional Medical Center. Many lovely rental homes and quiet neighborhoods west of the by-pass. Most vacation rentals are east of the by-pass.
All towns south along the 158 by-pass experience heavy traffic in the summer and have public beaches.
Population: 3,500 year-round, 30,000 in summer
Beaches: Public with parking lots and bath houses available
The Kill Devil Hills Community
Kill Devil Hills is the largest incorporated municipality in Dare county with a mixture of year-round residents and rental properties. It is situated in the middle of the northern Dare county beaches, with public accesses available. Kill Devil Hills is the site of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, commemorating the Wright brothers' historical flights. It is a very popular family vacation destination.
The name Kill Devil Hills can be dated back to the colonial era. Shipwrecks were common at the time and many of the ships were transporting barrels of rum. When a shipwreck occurred, locals would scavenge the ship and hide the rum they found behind the large sand dunes where the Wright brothers later flew their first plane. The locals said that the rum was strong enough to "kill the devil" and the dunes where they would hide the rum were nicknamed, you guessed it, Kill Devil Hills.
Population: 7,000 year-round, 30,000 in summer
Beaches: Public with parking lots and bath houses available
The Nags Head Community
Nags Head is a town rich in history. Legend has it that early 18th century bandits realized how profitable piracy was for seagoing scoundrels such as Blackbeard. These bandits or land pirates used mules (nags with lanterns tied to their necks) to lure ships ashore in stormy weather. Merchant ships would mistakenly think the lights were of other ships closer to shore and run aground where the land pirates waited to pillage their cargoes. And that is how Nags Head got its name.
Nags Head has a year-round population of 2,800 and now has a hospital and YMCA. There are also a variety of shops, restaurants, and rental properties to accommodate the visitors to the area. Many businesses are still owned and operated by the families who have been running them for years. The ocean and shoreline are the major attractions, providing beaches and a series of historic cottages that overlook the beach in sections. To keep that old Nags Head building style alive, the town has adopted architectural standards.
There are three piers, Nags Head Pier, Jennette's Pier (which is currently under reconstruction), and the Outer Banks Pier for fishing. And the largest sand dune on the East coast, Jockey's Ridge, is located in Nags Head. Jockey's Ridge is very popular with hang-gliders and kite-flyers. Nags Head is a resort area that attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Population: 2,800 year-round, 40,000 in summer
Beaches: Public with parking lots and bath houses available
Communities
Southern Shores:
http://www.southernshores.org/
Counties
Duck:
http://www.townofduck.com/
Corolla:
http://www.corollaguide.com/
Kitty Hawk:
http://www.townofkittyhawk.org/
Kill Devil Hills:
http://kdhnc.com/
Nags Head:
http://townofnagshead.net/
Dare County:
http://www.co.dare.nc.us/
Currituck County:
http://www.co.currituck.nc.us/
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