I had the opportunity to visit the new living accommodations called Randolph Pointe on Ft. Bragg today and let me just emphatically say, "IT IS AWESOME!!!" to sum it up in 3 words or less.  There are over 300 one or two bedroom units with full-sized appliances, computer stations and large closets (Ladies).  The complex even comes with a pool, a media/theater room with kitchen, exercise equipment, and garages for rent.  The only criteria to move into one of these great apartments is to be active duty military E-6 and above, receive BAH and be unaccompanied.  If you're concerned about furnishings, the wonderful staff has teamed up with a furniture company that reasonably rents top of the line furnishings....it's beautiful too. In my 20+ years in the Army, I have NEVER seen such housing provisions made for our Soldiers. 

If you are headed to Ft. Bragg and are in need of housing, YOU WANT TO CALL THIS PLACE to rent and YOU WANT TO CALL ME if you prefer to buy off-post.  Regardless, you won't regret either decision.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to visit me at www.TopBraggHomes.com or via email at Lparks12@nc.rr.com, 910-624-8077.

Thank you for your service to our great nation and be sure to tell the staff that Latonia's raving comments sent you!! 

What an incredible time of year we are in now.  The weather is becoming cooler in the mornings which signals the onset of fall.  One thing that isn't changing is the need today's buyers have for the expertise of professional Realtors.  If you take time to show them you are genuinely concerned about their family needs, you'll likely have a fan for life.  If they ask you to send them homes between 150K and 200K, don't send them homes that are priced at 210K.  It sets the wrong tone from the start, that of one who doesn't listen well.  Send them what they ask for and if THEY feel they have to increase their amount to get what they desire, let them come up with the idea.  You be the good listener and respond.  After all, you do want them to know you, like you, and trust you, right?? 

It's settled....Fayetteville has been ranked as the No. 1 housing market in the nation for appreciation in the fourth quarter of 2008.  Zillow's report shows Cumberland county increased in home values 6.9 % compared to a year earlier.  This is largely because of our military based personnel on Ft. Bragg and Pope AFB.  We have not been impacted like the harder hit areas in CA and AZ.  Bottom Line: It is a great time to buy now and it has been for quite some time.   The media is portraying an image of gloom and doom that is keeping buyers from making a move to purchase.  This should help with the decision.

If I can answer any questions you may have regarding purchasing a home in the area, feel free to call, email or text me. 

I have new clients who contacted me to sell their home.  The house is in a great location but we had to declutter in order to take pictures.  The ones I took didn't showcase the house to its full potential.  I gave them some pointers, literally, and they executed like an Army company marching in step.  The counters were decluttered, the toys were centralized in one location and the office looked like an office again.  They were pleased and so was I.  The photos were definite before and after shots.  I used the "before" photos to get them to see what the home looked like online and it worked.  After updating my photos, I could place the sign in the yard with confidence.  Let the offers begin......now.

Ft. Bragg Sports & Fitness will host the 1st Annual 10K Volksmarch at Smith Lake on October 18.  Registration will be held from 0900-1100.  The entry fee is $5 and children under 12 and dogs are free.  This event is open to the public.

Check on the link to get more information about a volksmarch.  If you feel so inclined, there will also be a pet fair and a dog costume contest.  

Call 396-1217 if you have any questions and hope to see you there.

If you are looking for something to do for Halloween, take time to go by Sports USA on Ft. Bragg for a costume party on October 24th.  The fun begins at 7pm and there is a $10 charge for tickets.  You will need to arrange for tickets ahead of time.  The night will stir up some great entertainment, contests and prizes sponsored by Rick Hendrick Toyota.  You MUST be 18 or older to enter.

Enjoy~~  

Oktoberfest will be held Oct 9-19 at the Ft. Bragg Fairgrounds.  The public is invited and parking will be free.  There are unlimited rides and entertainment for one low admission price so don't miss out.  The lineup for entertainment and admission prices daily are:

Monday to Thursday-5:00 - 7:00 p.m.                    7:00 p.m. and After

        $5 Ages 3 and over                 

         $10 General admission

         $8 Children Ages 3-9               

         $8 Military/DoD Civilians

         $5 Handicapped Non-riders     

         $5 Senior Citizens Non-riders over 50

Friday to Sunday -    $14 General Admission

        $12 Children Ages 3-9

        $12 Military/DoD Civilians

        $5 Handicapped Non-riders

        $5 Senior Citizens Non-riders over 50

Entertainment scheduled to play are as follows:

October 9, 2008             Holtz Hackren Band             

October 10, 2008           Soul Shakers                       

October 11, 2008           The Fifth                                  

October 12, 2008           Craig Boyd & Southland        

October 16, 2008           Dan Speller & His Bluespell          

October 17, 2008           Time Machine Band             

October 18, 2008           Morris Cardenas                  

October 19, 2008           Holtz Hackren Band             

Each year, the firemen at Stoney Point Station 13 set up an elaborate and frightening Trail of Terror for those who are brave enough to partake.  There are so many cars parked along the side of the road during the scheduled nights that you can hardly get past the station.  There are kids and adults alike but I don't recommend the smaller children participate.  These are some hard-working guys (as I hear their sirens several times per week) who stop to give even MORE to the community.  I guess there is truth in the old saying...you work hard you play hard.  Great job guys!!

Are you a MILITARY Soldier who is expecting a child or already the mother of a child who is not older than 6 months?  If you fall into one of these categories, then you should make plans to be at the Crown Coliseum on Nov 15.  Fayetteville Cares and Operation Home Front will host what will probably be the largest baby shower ever seen in the state.  Please visit the Fayetteville Cares website to get additional info. I hope to see you there.

Due to excessive turbidity in the Lower Little River caused by Tropical
Storm Hanna, Fort Bragg is initiating Stage IV Water conservation
measures.  The water supply is fit for human consumption, however, the
water supply provided by a connection with the Public Works Commission
(PWC) can only supply a minimal amount of potable water to the Fort
Bragg system.

Residential users shall reduce water consumption to a level necessary to
sustain human life and lives of domestic pets and to maintain minimum
standards of hygiene and sanitation. Businesses engaged in the sale of
plants (AAFES and AAFES vendors) shall not irrigate use potable water
for irrigating stocks.  Use of potable water on golf courses prohibited.

There will be no washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats or
airplanes, or any other type of mobile equipment except at the Central
Vehicle Wash Facility. Organizations that use equipement that can not be
washed at the Central Vehicle Wash Facility, and require washing for
mission critical purposes, may obtain written permission from Fort Bragg
DPW to utilize water for such purposes as long as the amount of water
being used is minimized.

Outside areas such as streets, driveways, service station aprons,
parking lots, office/admin buildings, exteriors of existing or newly
construction facilities, sidewalks or patios shall not be washed.

There shall be no filling of any pond, ornamental fountain, pool or
other structure.

Fire protection must be maintained, but where possible, tank trucks
shall use untreated water.

Restaurants and other food serving establishments shall use only single
serving utensils, plates and cups and shall serve water only at the
patron's request.
 
POC is  Audrey Oxendine, Chief, Environmental Compliance Branch,
432-8464, for additional information.