OBX Real Estate - January, 2010

Interesting Look at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Here is a really interesting article about the Outer Banks and especially the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  It is from the National Parks Traveler blog. 

The bottom of the article gives information on a free program on January 20th at 7:00pm in the Salvo Volunteer Fire Station.  For those that love history and the Outer Banks, it should be something not to miss.

Torpedo Junction—Shipwrecks of WWI and WWII—Featured in Program at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks of North Carolina have long been known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic," and among the more than 1,000 vessels believed to have been lost in the area are some from World Wars I and II. They'll be the subject of a talk near the park on January 20.

Not…

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Corolla 4th Quarter 2009 - Sold Homes

The 4th quarter of 2009 in Corolla, was strong with just over $28,000,000 in real estate sold.  A very encouraging sign is the increased sales throughout the many communities in Corolla.  Homes in Pine Island sold strong with 4 homes over $1,000,000 selling.  We also saw a home sell for as high as $2,400,000.  Besides having 4 homes sold over $1,000,000 Pine Island was the Corolla community with the most homes sold. Both those are good signs for the strengthening of the Corolla luxury home market.

The rest of the sold homes were pretty well divided with Corolla Light, Whalehead Club, The Currituck Club, and Ocean Sands each having 5 homes sold.  It looks like the 1st quarter of 2010 could be interesting with the coming spring buying season.    

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Outer Banks Aquarium to Get More Sharks

Here is an excellent article from the Viriginia-Pilot about the NC Aquarium in Manteo.  The aquarium is getting some new sharks for the, "Graveyard of the Atlantic" tank.  Another great reason to visit the aquarium.

 N.C. aquarium, now with more teeth

By Catherine Kozak

ROANOKE ISLAND, N.C. - Snaggle-toothed, graceful and sleek, the 300-pound sand tiger shark is the star of the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" exhibit at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island.

It's not just because the powerful predator is the biggest resident of the 285,000-gallon tank. It' s because it's a shark.

Now the shark has a few more companions. And more are on the way.

This summer, visitors at the Roanoke Island facility will be seeing a lot more of the…

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Nags Head 4th Quarter 2009 - Sold Homes

34 homes were sold in Nags Head during the 4th Quarter, October 1 - December 31 2009.  Nags Head homes had an impressive average sale price of $512,464.  This number was partly aided by the sale of 5 homes for over $1,000,000.  

Most of the homes over the $1,000,000 mark were from the, Geo T Stronrach subdivision and/or oceanfront.  Though the average home was sold for $512,464, the average home was originally priced at $549,062. 

For those looking to sell the average sold home was on the market for 218 days.  Just over 7 months it took to sell the average home.  

Nags Head 4th Quarter Sold Homes

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Kill Devil Hills 4th Quarter 2009 Sold Homes

Below you will find the homes sold in Kill Devil Hills from October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. There were a total of 55 homes sold in the quarter. There was an average sold price of $284,375. No homes over $1,000,000 were sold, but we did see 2 homes for $625,000 sold. For those considering, selling their home in Kill Devil Hills. The average list price of the homes sold was $298,392. In Kill Devil Hills we often see the list to sales price remaining close, so it is important to price your home correctly from the start. The average sold home was on the market for 192 days. If you are interested in learning more about selling your home, contact a consultant.

Kill Devil Hills 4th Quarter Sold Homes

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NC Smoking Ban in Effect for Outer Banks

As of January 1, 2009, North Carolina bars and restaurants are smoke free.  Several Outer Banks restaurants had been transitioning to being smoke free as news that the ban passed became known.  Due to the state's long ties to tobacco, the ban has become national news.  Local restaurateur, Mike Kelly of Kellys Restaurant in Nags Head, was quoted in the LA Times about the smoking ban. 

NC smoking ban for restaurants, bars signals another shift in state's tobacco history

By: GARY D. ROBERTSON

Associated Press Writer

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — In dozens of states, Gary Richards wouldn't have been able to light up a Marlboro before tucking into his meat-lover's pizza, as he did at…

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Record Numbers of Sea Turtles Stranded Along Outer Banks

Sea turtles strand in record numbers on Outer Banks

By Catherine Kozak

The Virginian-Pilot

Frigid temperatures and stormy weather have stunned record numbers of endangered sea turtles off the Outer Banks, forcing volunteers to scramble to save them within the 24-hour survival window.

So far, 44 of the cold-blooded creatures have been transported to the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles rehabilitation center at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, said aquarist Christian Guerreri.

That's a record number of cold-stunned turtles for the Outer Banks, she said. Last winter, 28 were found off barrier island beaches.

Guerreri said four turtles have died, and nine have been sent to other rehabilitation facilities, including five…

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Outer Banks Business Spotlight: Tortugas Lie

Eating at Tortugas Lie is like taking a trip to the islands without having to leave Nags Head.  This Caribbean style restaurant offers authentic island favorites like, jerk beef and chicken, conch fritters, Tortola Chicken, and more.  It also serves delicious local Outer Banks seafood like Tuna, clams, and shrimp.   

Besides a delicious menu, the interior of Tortugas Lie is quite interesting with coral and fish tanks, hundreds of licenses plates covering the ceiling and walls, and a decidely Island feel.  Whether for food or drinks, Tortugas Lie, is an excellent stop during a vacation or more regularly if you are fortunate enough to live here.

One small additional item that puts Tortugas atop my dining favorites, is that they have their daily specials…

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Some Winter Pictures in the Outer Banks - January 6

Though you can't tell.  There has been an arctic blast covering the entire Outer Banks.  Even saw some scattered flurries last weekend in Currituck County, and heard reports of snow from a friend in Corolla Light.  Though there is no snow in Kill Devil Hills, here are some pics on a cold winter afternoon.  Hopefully, snow pics will follow in the coming days.

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Ocracoke Lighthouse to Get Some Improvements

Ocracoke, N.C. lighthouse undergoes repairs

By Catherine Kozak

OCRACOKE ISLAND, N.C. - It's short and rather stout, has no fancy markings and can't be climbed.

But the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the state's oldest continuously operating beacon, is beloved among the Outer Banks lighthouses for its simplicity and its charming village location.

And it's getting some work done.

Rehabilitation of the 1823 tower's interior, which began recently, will include replacing cast iron railings on the balcony, repointing the brick mortar, replacing rotting window frames and repainting.

Even though work on the tower was last done 27 years ago by the Coast Guard, the 65-foot lighthouse - the shortest in North Carolina - is basically in good condition,…

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