A website tool for the Neighbors of Marsh Oaks

Marsh Oaks is currently called home to more than 400 discerning buyers. One of the most valuable communication tools the homeowners possess is their neighborhood website.

Managed an maintained by a member of the board of directors for the homeowner's association, the site posts upcoming events such as the Tweenager Costume Party of the "tea" for the Marymount homeowners. Another cool facet of the website is the resident directory. Homeowners fill in information about themselves, enabling their neighbors to learn a bit more about the families that live in Marsh Oaks. From the resident directory we are able to email notices that affect homeowners in Marsh Oaks. For example, if the neighborhood swimming pool needs to close unexpectantly a message may be sent informing the resident of the specifics.

Homeowners may also access past issues of the Marsh Oaks Monitor, the neighborhood newsletter as well as view copies of the HOA meeting minutes.

Along with a ton of other neat features, homeowners can upload photos to share with their neighbors, allowing everyone to feel as if they are part of the Marsh Oaks family.

To learn how you might become part of the Marsh Oaks family call or stop by today!

HBO Pilot, Eastbound & Down Films in Marsh Oaks

Executive Producer Will Ferrell has been working hard with Screen Gem Studios in Wilmington, NC shooting the HBO pilot "Eastbound & Down". This week they have chosen Marsh Oaks to shoot. The series, set to air in 2009 is about a major league ballplayer who gets burnt out in the league and returns home to become a phys ed teacher.

Marsh Oaks has welcomed the large cast and crew with open arms, opening the clubhouse for the logistics and one of the neighborhood homes for filming.

Money Matters....

Recently I spoke with Martin Barbee, President and Sr. Loan Officer of Intracoastal Mortgage about the volatile market we are experiencing:

MR: Martin, as an expert in your field, how would you define our times?

MB: We are in the grips of historic volatility in the financial markets. There have been large swings in stock prices as well as rates. Unfortunately, I don’t see it ending for some time. A common question we continue to get is why rates are going up when the stock market is going down. A down stock market has historically pointed to lower rates but the game is different.

MR: How so?

MB: A guarantee of bank debt is a safe haven for investors in lieu of mortgage backed securities. Not good for rates.

The government is issuing large sums of treasury debt in order to raise the cash necessary to inject into the financial institutions and support the overall $700 bailout plan (not good for mortgage bonds)

Overall risk in mortgage backed securities remains high even with the explicit guarantee of the Federal Government because the underlying asset could still be depreciating. With the new options of essentially “risk-free” debt why take a chance.

Some large market makers in mortgage backed securities (Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns) are gone so there are fewer buyers and a smaller market. Remember when the price of a bond goes down the yield (rate) goes up.

MR: So, when do you see rates stabilizing?

MB: When the market establishes a firm floor and the fundamentals return, we should see a more stable rate environment and one that is lower than current levels.

MR: Any time soon?

MB: We are already seeing some positive improvement with rates. That’s not to say we won’t continue to see them jump around but the trend is positive for now.

MR: Should buyers hold out for the stabilization? Or should they purchase while the selection is good and rates are still relatively low?

MB: Rates are still very low on a historic basis. I would encourage buyers to budget off of the current levels rather than hold out for rates we saw in years past. Take advantage of the incentives and selection while they still last.

For more information on mortgages or the market in general, feel free to contact Martin directly at martin@intracoastalmortgage.com or 910.256.7773

Marsh Oaks Newsletter

One of the rarely mentioned but fabulous amenities in Marsh Oaks is our neighborhood newsletter, the "Marsh Oaks Monitor". The newsletter is a published periodical mailed to each current resident. Paid for by the advertisers, the articles are submitted by homeowners and range from a kudos to a job well done, to a spotlight on the yard of the month, to recipes, to suggestions on things to do in and around Wilmington. The possibilities are endless and the Marsh Oaks Monitor is just one of the innovative tools the homeowners at Marsh Oaks utilize to stay connected.

Be sure to call today for questions on how you might become our newest neighbor in Marsh Oaks!

Tennis Anyone?

Marsh Oaks tennis courts have gotten the go ahead for some renovations. Recently, the Marsh Oaks Homeowners Association board voted to have the courts resurfaced and the nets replaced. The exciting news is that the courts will have new look that is in line with the US Open with blue paint instead of the green they now have!

Two points to note - (a) the resurfacing and maintenance of the courts will be paid for entirely through the reserves in the HOA budget. The Marsh Oaks reserves are fully funded, which is not a common attribute of most HOA's, and (b) the Marsh Oaks homeowners care about their amenities. Twelve years strong and the movement to get our amenities in pristine repair is evident as witnessed by this action and the recent renovation of the clubhouse.

Keep your eye out for the upcoming tennis leagues and round robin games organized by our neighbors who enjoy a game of tennis!

Money Matters....

Consider the following from Intracoastal Mortgage:

Over the past four to five weeks it has been hard to find any good news to talk about. The stock market has ventured into un-chartered territory but if we look at the current mortgage rate environment there is a small silver lining. We continue to see volatility which feeds anxiety but looking at the rate trend over the past three months (chart below) the market is better now than back in the July/August timeframe. There have been some guidelines tighten which will continue but overall money is available at very affordable rates. Engage a mortgage professional as early in the process as possible so surprises can be mitigated. Please utilize us to help answer questions and clear up some of the confusion that is present in the market.

Suggested reading: “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Considering the times that we find ourselves in this is a great book to read. It deals with one’s frame of mind and how it plays into success.

Martin Barbee
President
Intracoastal Mortgage Co.
534-A Causeway Drive
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
910.256.7773 o
910.256.0443 f
910.264.1208 c

I Got Boo-ed!

No, it doesn't mean I did a horrible job at something and was heckled. Boo-ing is something we see every year this time in Marsh Oaks and it never ceases to excite me! This tradition is one more example of the great and giving neighborhood we call home.



If you aren't familiar with the "Boo" game, it goes something like this: You are sitting in your home after dark and hear the doorbell ring. When you answer the doorbell you notice there is no one waiting to greet you - just a pumpkin filled with goodies for your family. The pumpkin includes a note of instruction telling you that you must post the "boo" on your door for other neighbors to see, and, within a day, deliver two more "boos" to your neighbors. As you are driving the streets of Marsh Oaks you'll spot all the "boo" notices - seems that no one gets left out.

Our "boo" this year included a ton of candy, some halloween cups with pumpkin straws, and some party napkins. I'm not going to divulge what our return "boos" contained, lest the reader recognize their "boo-er", but I can tell you that if they listened hard enough they may have heard my daughter giggling around the corner!

Marsh Oaks Clubhouse

Marsh Oaks, in Wilmington, North Carolina offers terrific amenities for an extremely low monthly fee of $40. When you enter the neighborhood from Hwy 17 Business, you will see the main amenity center to the left. Immediately you will notice our clubhouse.

Recently renovated in 2006, the clubhouse offers a full kitchen equipped with a stove and oven, microwave oven and refrigerator. The granite countertops and center island are a testament to the quality of the homes found in Marsh Oaks. Open to the rest of the clubhouse, the kitchen is the perfect spot for those using the clubhouse to prepare their appetizers or meals for their guest.

The recent renovations saw that the carpet was replaced with hardwoods, and new furniture was added.

The large clubhouse with it's wrap around porches offers the perfect venue for parties and gatherings of all types including wedding and baby showers, wedding parties, and neighborhood parties such as the Marsh Oaks Day cocktail party.

Market Update in Marsh Oaks

While the economic world may be in turmoil, values still hold in Marsh Oaks. This is a great time to buy and savvy buyers are buying value, not just looking for the best deal on paper.

Within the last thirty days of this post, 4 homes in Marsh Oaks have been put under contract, one was on the market less than 30 days, and one was put under contract before it even hit the multiple listing service.

In the last thirty days, 3 homes have closed in Marsh Oaks. One of those homes was a pre-sale, and another sold for 107.75% of asking price! The average percent of sale price to list price in September was 101.8% .

In the SaltGrass section of Marsh Oaks, we are sold out of standing inventory (don't worry, new construction should be done in 6 months!)

If you are looking for a home that will hold it's value, as well as provide a great neighborhood atmosphere, you really should check out Marsh Oaks!

Marsh Oaks Celebrates 2nd Annual Marsh Oaks Day

Neighbors gathered at the clubhouse on Saturday June 28th for it's 2nd annual Marsh Oaks Day. We couldn't ask for a better day! The weather was absolutely fabulous, the food was delicious and the festivities delightful.

Children of all ages enjoyed the enormous inflatable "bouncies", and took turns riding the pony or petting the various animals in the petting zoo. Everyone was able to cool off in the pool and enjoy the sounds of the "Castaways" as they played from the porch of the clubhouse.

Hot dogs and hamburgers were served along with several dishes provided by various neighbors.

The adults gathered back at the clubhouse in the evening for an cocktail party. Various residents and business owners sponsored the event and provided delectable appetizers as well as wine and beer. Ron Cook (of Capt Cook and the Coconuts) serenated the crowd and many neighbors delighted in the door prizes they won.

Choosing Responsibility

As fuel prices continue to rise we are beginning to see a big push towards environmentally friendly construction. Builders in this area are taking note, especially the builders in Marsh Oaks. Currently, many of our homes in the neighborhood feature "green" features and shortly these features will become more and more commonplace.



In Marsh Oaks, we cherish the children that reside here. We delight in watching them play at the playground or in the pool. We encourage them to be kids and have fun, and not grow up too fast. Loving and cherishing them comes along with the task of teaching them respect and responsibility. It is our intent, as we look toward selling out Marsh Oaks, that we pass on the legacy of environmental friendliness. Join us as we travel the Road 2 Hope coming in 2009. Check back often for updates on the planning of this venture.

Please take the time to answer our poll so your voice can be heard!

Neighborhood Block Party

Probably #1 on my "Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Marsh Oaks" is the BLOCK PARTIES! This past Saturday the neighbors got together at Belhaven and Bayfield Drives to cook a pig. If you aren't "from around here", it's what we call a "pig pickin". While the men of Bayfield Drive started cooking around 9:30 Saturday morning (or at least that's what they said they were doing), the festivities really began about 5.

One of the neighbors owns the big cooker that you see here in the photo.

Other neighbors brought salads, dips, desserts and various other goodies. Children enjoyed playing together with their scooters, and ride-on toys while the adults were able to sit back and catch up with one another.

We were blessed with great weather and I'm blessed with great neighbors. This is what living in Marsh Oaks is all about!

Mid-Parade of Homes Update

We are midway through Parade of Homes 2008 here in Wilmington. Spread out over the three counties of New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick there were over 100 entries. Marsh Oaks was privileged to have 2 entries. Located at 7742 Bonaventure Drive, Murdock Building and Design entered their home, the Kylie. We entertained more than 100 visitors over this first weekend of the parade and our guests were enchanted by the use of the mixed hardwood floors, the rear entry garage and basement/playroom. The judges were also impressed with the hardwood floors as they were awarded the special feature award for the floors and another special feature ribbon for the master bath shower and with the body jets.

The second entry, just around the corner was the Spartina, built by Hagood Homes. Visitors to this home loved the use of color and the open, flowing feel of the floorplan. Special features awarded to this home were the covered porch with the stamped concrete and louvers as well as the detail of the lights in the master bathroom cut into the mirrors.

Stay tuned for updates on awards that are being presented this Wednesday night, in my book all of Marsh Oaks homes are winners!

Noble Middle School Band Wins Big

Congratulations to the seventh and eighth grade band at Noble Middle School. Recently competing against middle school bands across the state at "festival", they received all superior marks. The band performed three compositions, a march and two other contrasting pieces. They were judged on their dynamics, the interpretations, etc by three judges. After playing their three pieces on stage, they moved to a different area and were judged on their sight reading (playing a piece of music they had not seen before). Impressively, the band recieved "1"s across the board from each judge. (Judges ranked each band 1-4, 1 being the best).

The band was very proud of themselves, as they should be. They began practicing their music in January, had a guest clinician come in to critique their rehearsal, and even recorded themselves for self-evaluation.

Many members of the band are Marsh Oaks residents. Way to go Noble Eagles Band!

Money Talks...

In recent months there has been so much media attention to the housing and mortgage industry and all of it negative. There is a bright side to all this in spite of the media reports. Mortgage lending had gotten out of hand and needed to be reined in. There were individuals in the profession ,who for a nice commission check, put people in homes they could not afford. Now those homeowners have been foreclosed on and the numbers are growing every day. The mortgage loan officer is on to another "profession".
Since we are talking about housing/real estate the old addage of location, location, location is true. Our wonderful area has not been affected as other areas of the country have. Most North Carolina cities are showing growth in home sales and in appreciation and certainly the Wilmington area is one of those "survivor" cities. I have been in the mortgage profession 28 years and I don't believe there has been a better time to purchase a new home. We have an inventory of homes that offers a good selection. Builders such as the builders in Marsh Oaks are offering great incentives. Interest rates are still at record low levels, recently as low as 5% for a 30 year fixed rate.
If you are thinking about a new home, now is the time. Don't wait until interest rates and home prices go up.

BRENDA MCDONALD, VP
Lumina Mortgage Company
219 Racine Dr., Suite A
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-202-8225 Direct
910-452-0997 Fax
http://www.blogger.com/www.luminamortgage.com

When in Doubt, Throw it Out!

Many of my "future" Marsh Oaks homeowners would be present day homeowners if they could just get their home to sell. A hot topic these days is "Staging". When a listing agent mutters these words, questions are immediately raised in the homeowners mind. What does it mean? How much will I need to spend? And finally, does my home really look THAT bad?

To answer those questions I turned to Mary Virginia Freeman. Mary Virginia recently joined the Hagood Homes staff as their design coordinator. Among other accolades, she has many years experience in the real estate field in an upscale resort area in South Carolina.

For the next several weeks we will bring you a series "Staging a Home For Sale".

Enjoy!


It's a fact: over 83% of the "stuff" in our homes is completely unnecessary for sustaining life. For those of you who are collectors of stuffed bears or ceramic giraffes or books or record albums or basseball caps or whatever your passion, your percentage is probably closer to 97%. Remember the old saying, "your collections are junk and my collections are treasures"? collections tend to make a home look cluttered and rooms appear small.

Tip #1: Box up those collections, books, etc and put them in a storage unit... NOT in your garage or the closet or the extra bedroom.

If you have children at home, let them choose just enough toys to fill the toy shelf, remove the rest. Put the boxes of toys at the front of the storage unit. A trip to the storage unit to "trade out" toys every few weeks can actually be a lot of fun.

If you have more than 7 pots and pans in your pantry and you are not a caterer or chef, then you have too many. See tip #1.

There is absolutely no reason to have 36 plastic cups or 25 plastic storage containers. This excess only makes your cabinets appear inadequate and yes, buyers do look inside kitchen cabinets.

Flat surfaces in the home, such as tables and counter tops need to be free of clutter. Yes, yesterday's newspaper, bulls, coupons, homework, book bags, the button that came off of your coat three months ago and that one glove to which you cannont find the mate is... clutter! And while we are at it, that adorable collection of tteapots or salt and pepper shakers is clutter as well. See tip #1.

Don't forget the yard with all those charming gnomes or the garage. The same rules apply to these areas as it does to the interior of the home. No doubt that piece of driftwood that you have been dragging around from house to house will be needed someday, but right now it has no use and it needs to GO!

Selling a house takes your time and effort. You must be ruthless when it comes to paring down and throwing out. and this is ONLY STEP ONE!

Tradition Meets Convenience at 7717 Bonaventure Drive

Originality Abounds at 7742 Bonaventure Drive in Marsh Oaks