The flu season will be upon us soon. The Naval Health Clinic at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station has just posted the
Flu Shot availability for Active Duty, Dependents of Active Duty, Retirees and Dependents of Retirees. Flu Shots will be
available to anyone with a valid military identification card on the following days:
Saturday October 18 0800-1200
Thursday October 23 0800-1200
Saturday November 15 0800-1200
Thursday November 20 0800-1200
Report to the Family Medicine Clinic, Naval Health Clinic, Cherry Point between the above hours to help protect you and your
from the flu at no cost to you. I will post information on civilian availability as I encounter it.
According to the CDC, vaccine shipments began in August - September. The immunity lasts about 12 months, so you will be
covered for the entire season. The strains being vaccinated against are "A/Brisbane/59/2007(H1N1)-like virus",
"A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2)-like virus" and "B/Florida/4/2006-like virus".
Please feel free to contact me for any information about relocation, purchasing or selling a property via email at
REALTOR@anciljones.com or or cell 252.622.5245. I look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to provide your
exceptional real estate experience.
Please feel free to comment on any of my entries. I am always looking for good content, so if you have any events or
questions, please let me know.
Thank you for stopping by and God bless!
Ancil Jones
REALTOR, Broker
Military Markets Specialist
HMC(AW/FMF) USN(ret)
252.622.5245
The Crystal Coast Plaza has opened up some new shopping experiences for us to enjoy here in Carteret county.
This experience is provided by the opening of Bed Bath and Beyond, Pet Smart, Michael's, Ross's, TJ Max and The Shoe Box. A Panera's Bread has opened on an out-lot as well.
I had commented in an earlier blog about a Chick-Fil-A being opened as part of the Crystal Coast Plaza. This information was taken from a press release from the development company and proved
to be erroneous. At this time, there is no Chick-Fil-A in Morehead City. Please accept my apologies for providing incorrect information and I do want to thank people for bringing this to my
attention. At least I know someone is reading it.
Don't forget this weekend is the Morehead City Sea Food Festival. Today, Sunday, October 5, 2008 the festival will run from 1100 (11am) to 1700 (5pm). Rides, food and fun. Bring the family for
some great fun.
Please feel free to contact me for any information about relocation, purchasing or selling a property via email at REALTOR@anciljones.com or or cell 252.622.5245. I look forward to hearing from
you and the opportunity to provide your exceptional real estate experience.
Please feel free to comment on any of my entries. I am always looking for good content, so if you have any events or questions, please let me know.
Thank you for stopping by and God bless!
 
Ancil Jones
REALTOR, Broker
Military Markets Specialist
HMC(AW/FMF) USN(ret)
252.622.5245
I want to thank our Cherry Point Commissary and the Mess Hall for a lot of work and a great spread.
On Tuesday, September 9, 2008, Cherry Point Commissary was part of a Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) wide Italian-American decorating/display contest. They
took it a step further and fed a few hundred active duty and retired personnel and their families. The FREE lunch consisted of different "Bertoli" products as well as
spaghetti, meat sauce, an alfredo sauce and garlic bread cooked up by Cpl Renesh Washington and Cpl Sean Davis and managed by Msgt Bobby Thomas. The
commissary personnel directly responsible are Jazette Stewart (Grocery Manager), Phyllis Black (Store Director), Shirley Mitchel (Merchandiser) and Katie Thomas
who is a representative of Sarvis/Unileaver who provided product.
Again, Thank you for showing your appreciation and the great lunch.
Please feel free to contact me for any information about relocation, purchasing or selling a property via email at REALTOR@anciljones.com or or cell 252.622.5245. I
look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to provide your exceptional real estate experience.
Please feel free to comment on any of my entries. I am always looking for good content, so if you have any events or questions, please let me know.
Thank you for stopping by and God bless!
 
Ancil Jones
REALTOR, Broker
Military Markets Specialist
HMC(AW/FMF) USN(ret)
252.622.5245
Like any other life
changing experience, buying a home for the first time can seem like an
incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize
their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real
estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some
of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful
first-time home buying experience.
Prior to researching the
real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your
family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is
the right time to purchase your first home. You may also want to ask yourself
where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a home
for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.
Once you determine you
are ready to purchase your first home, you may want to research the details of
the home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any
insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the
process.
The next important step
in the home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the
excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time home buyer,
you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time home buyers
underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a home. Before
searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and
reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.
There are also upfront
costs to consider when buying a home. Though the amount required to cover a
down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out
of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first home. Being prepared for
these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved
in will help your transition into home ownership.
After determining what
your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around – for both
homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of
amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match
your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open
houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect
home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of
finding the best fit for your family.
While looking at homes,
you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family.
If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your
mortgage payment before actively bidding on a home, you can narrow down your
price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.
Though following the previous steps can help a first-time home buyer find the right home, buyers
never need to go it alone.
After conducting your own research, it is a good idea to find an agent you can trust.
Besides being able to assist you when searching for the right home, a reliable
real estate agent can help guide you through the home buying process.
If you are patient with the home buying process and do your homework before purchasing your first home,
your diligence will most likely lead you to the perfect home for your family.
Please feel free to contact me for any information about relocation, purchasing or selling a property via email at REALTOR@anciljones.com or or cell 252.622.5245. I look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to provide your exceptional real estate experience.
Please feel free to comment on any of my entries. I am always looking for good content, so if you have any events or questions, please let me know.
Crystal Coast Unity Church and their Spiritual Teacher Herb Pierson, MA, LT are very active and well known figures in the Morehead City community.
Crystal Coast Unity Church sees to the spiritual needs of the community through worship or celebration services, prayer services and classes open to the public.
Crystal Coast Unity church welcomes people of all faiths to fellowship and celebrate the joy of God's Love within all people. Unity takes it's name seriously by being a bridge between denominations and those seeking a church home. We teach the practical, positive value of Jesus' teachings as they are broadened and informed by teachings from other spiritual traditions. Lively music, modern messages made relevant to our daily lives, and an accepting, loving congregation make Crystal Coast Unity a positive spiritual experience.
Child care and children's Sunday School available at our 10:30am Sunday Celebration Services. Silent Prayer and Meditation time every Sunday from 9:30-10am. 'Loaves and Fishes' pot luck lunch on the first Sunday of each month.
Crystal Coast Unity Events:
Every Wednesdays at Crystal Coast Unity Church:
12:00-12:30pm Silent Unity Prayer Service
4:00-5:00pm Tao te Ching Class
5:30-6:30pm A Course In Miracles Discussion Group
7:00-8:00pm LENT and Metaphysical Bible Q&A (during Lent)
Crystal Coast Unity is located at 115 Industrial Dr, Morehead City (at the "God Is Love" sign off of Hwy 70 West across from Applebee's Restaurant). Everyone is welcome!
Crystal Coast Unity is sponsor of the Annual Carteret County Children's Art & Photography Show, the 'Complaint Free Carteret Campaign,' and the Thanks-Living Campaign. Members of the Carteret Chamber of Commerce. Your 'Daily Word' church since 1994 in Morehead City and affiliated with Silent Unity and the Association of Unity Churches, International. For more information call Herb Pierson, MA, LT at (252) 247-1844 or go to www.crystalcoastunity.org.
Please feel free to comment on any of my entries. I am always looking for good content, so if you have any events or questions, please let me know.
JB Burger Express is a well known landmark in Morehead City, NC. and is under
new ownership. Teresa Barron purchased the business back in November, 2007 and has
worked very hard to provide quality food, quality service and quality prices.
Currently with a new menu that includes items such as "Big Kahuna", "Island Dog",
"CB Express" and much more. New includes ideas to let folks know that she is open
for business.
JB Burger Express is open from 1100 to 2000 (11 am to 8 pm). Teresa is
anxious to add new items to the menu, so be on the look out for special offers in
the future.
Menu:
CB Express
1/4 lb all beef burger (cheese, lettuce, tomato, special sauce), seasoned fries and
20 oz drink.
Big Kahuna
Huge charbroiled steak burger (bacon, mushrooms, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and
BBQ sauce), seasoned fries
and 20 oz drink.
Island Dog
Foot long frank w/chili, cheese, onion, slaw, mustard and catsup, seasoned fries and
20 oz drink.
Fried Shrimp Basket
1/2 lb shrimp, cole slaw, seasoned fries and 20 oz drink.
The menu also includes sandwiches such as chicken breast, bacon lettuce tomato and
BBQ w/slaw. Kids meals with hamburger, cheese burger or hot dog. Order your
favorite sides such as sweet potato fries, onion rings or seasoned fries.
JB Burger Express is located at 4208 Arendell St., Morehead City.
Call ahead for pricing and place your order for speedier drive through experience by
calling 252.726.9793.
Morehead City, NC will be increasing the shopping experience very soon. Crystal Coast Plaza is the new home for Michael's, TJ Max, Ross's, Pet Smart and Bed Bath and Beyond. These stores are currently interviewing personnel and are scheduled to open spring 08. Some already appear to be stocking. The plaza will be home to as many as 10 big box retailers and several free-standing retail stores and outparcels. Among the tenants committed to the project are Starbucks Coffee, Arby’s and Chick-fil-A, which are already open for business.
Another bit of news from Morehead City - JB's Burger Express on Arendell St. has recently changed ownership. She appears to be open to change, so don't be surprised when the changes start popping up.
Havelock, just up the road, has a new Wal Mart Super Center that is scheduled to open March 7, 2008. This is a great addition to many people, but some of the smaller business are not real happy with the decision to let them come in. I personally think they don't have anything to worry about - I think they serve different markets - the smaller, local stores for service (which many people prefer over saving a couple of bucks) and thos e that just worry about price. I think they will all find co-existence quite painless.
Now we just need to keep watching the Highway 70 Corridor. I will keep you posted as I come across information.
Let me know what you think about the Corridor or your comments on the box stores or the growth of Morehead City or Havelock, NC.
Please feel free to send me your questions and/or comments pertaining to real estate, your computer, local events or anything at all. Lets get some discussions going.
Well, Think again. You may be pleasantly suprised.
Money Is Available -- Today's borrower needs to have stable employment of at least two years, sufficient income to cover the monthly mortgage payment and living expenses, adequate savings to make at least a 5% down payment and a FICO credit score of at least 620. If you meet those baisc requirements and plan to live in the property, you may be well on your way to your next home.
Rates are Attractive --
At 5.68%, mortgage interest rates have declined in recent weeks and are now at or near 40-year historical lows.
Lots of Options -- Many mortgage products are available to suit all types of buyers -- from conventional fixed-rate products and ARMS, to FHA and VA loans for borrowers needing more flexible lending options.
Affordability has Improved --
The national Housing Affordability Index in December 2007 was the best it has been in nearly three years. And with declining mortgage rates in January, combined with current home prices, it could improve even more in the weeks ahead.
Please feel free to send me your questions and/or comments pertaining to real estate, your computer, local events or anything at all. Lets get some discussions going.
It’s important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate agent has to you and to other parties in the
transaction. Also understand that all contracts and agreements are with the Agency / Firm and not the individual agent. Ask
what type of agency relationship your agent has with you:
Seller's representative (also known as a listing agent or seller's agent)
A seller's agent is hired by and represents the seller. The seller’s agent works in the sellers best interest and all
fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract.
Buyer's representative (also known as a buyer’s agent)
A buyer’s agent is hired by prospective buyers to represent them in a real estate transaction. The buyer's agent works in the
buyer's best interest throughout the transaction and owes fiduciary duties to the buyer. The buyer can pay the agent directly
through a negotiated fee; however, the buyer's agent is usually compensated through a commission split with the seller’s
agent.
Seller’s Subagent
All agents in North Carolina are seller subagents, unless specifically contracted as a listing agent or a buyer’s agent,
and have the same fiduciary responsibilities to the seller as the listing agent. In such a case, the subagent works with the
buyer as a customer but owes fiduciary duties to the listing broker and the seller. Although a subagent cannot assist the
buyer in any way that would be detrimental to the seller, a buyer-customer can expect to be treated honestly by the subagent.
It is important that subagents fully explain their duties to buyers.
Disclosed dual agent
Dual agency is a relationship in which the brokerage firm represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate
transaction. Dual agency relationships do not carry with them all of the traditional fiduciary duties to clients. Instead,
dual agents owe limited fiduciary duties. Because of the potential for conflicts of interest in a dual-agency relationship,
it's mandatory that all parties give their informed consent in writing.
Designated agent (also called appointed agent)
This is a brokerage practice that allows the managing broker to designate which licensees in the brokerage will act as an
agent of the seller and which will act as an agent of the buyer. Designated agency avoids the problem of creating a
dual-agency relationship for licensees at the brokerage. The designated agents give their clients full representation, with
all of the attendant fiduciary duties. The broker still has the responsibility of supervising both groups of licensees.
Please feel free to send me your questions or concerns pertaining to real estate or your computer. I will post your question
with answer as well as answering your questions personally.
Insurance is something most people take for granted; most of us have never actually read any of our insurance policies.
A few things we all need to be aware of is the need to have your home owners policy re-evaluated every few years as the value of your property increases. If you purchased your home ten years ago for $100,000 and have a replacement value policy, the insurance company probably capped the pay-out, maybe up to 150% of original purchase price. In that ten years, your property is quite possibly worth $250,000 to $300,000. Your policy will pay a maximum of $150,000 towards the replacement of your home.
I will be contacting my insurance agent soon for a re-evaluation of my policy to make sure I have sufficient coverage to replace my home in the event of a catastrophe. Evaluations are also a good idea as laws change, flood zones are updated, policy regulations are updated - just look at it again to make sure you have all the coverage you need.
While you are looking at your policy, find the Declarations page. This will give you a summary of your policy. Make sure you review your exclusions as well to ensure you have the coverage you thought you had.
HO-3 is the standard homeowner's policy. Review it and know your coverage. You can puruchase additional coverage for almost anything you could possibly want insured, but better too much than not enough, although too far out of balance either direction can cost you dearly in the long run. There are policy's for renters to cover your personal property while you are renting (HO-4), HO-1 is your basic fire and lightning policy, HO-2 is your vacation property policy and HO-6 is your condo insurance.
If your perform any type of business activity out of your home, be careful, you again may not have the coverage you think. If you sell Avon or Mary Kay and someone slips and falls on your property while picking up an order, you homeowners policy quite probably will not cover it because is happened while pursuing business activities.
Again, speak with your insurance agent and review your policies. Don't sell your self short.
Please feel free to send me your questions or concerns pertaining to real estate or your computer. I will post your question with answer as well as answering your questions personally.