Warren's Wishful Washington Blog

Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center

Warren Moore, CRS, GRI (Warren Moore Real Estate) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:43:58 -0700

Even if you are not a horse owner, there is still plenty to do at the Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center near Williamston, NC. This complex is massive by Eastern North Carolina standards taking in approximately 168 acres. The main arena building is 108,000 sq. ft. under roof with heat, ventilation and permanent seating for 2,400 excited fans. Additional seating is available when needed around the 150’ x 300’ arena. Approximately 10,000 sq. ft. of vending space is available which will accommodate most size and type sales booths. An enclosed 75’ X 125’ paddock with an attached 120’ X 240’ covered arena is provided to accommodate special events, such as the Survivor Series Rodeo (see video below) and the “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions. Two outdoor practice rings (120’ X 240’), three lunging rings, four barns with 296 permanent stalls and 14 wash bays with hot and cold water are provided. As the picture above shows, this well-planned facility is actually circular-shaped which keeps all the barns equidistant from the main arena. Parking is provided close to the barns for 100 trucks, trailers or RVs with water, electricity and RV dump stations included. If you are in need of a meeting complex, this facility also will accommodate 1100 people for meetings, conferences and other gatherings. This portion of the facility offers its own convenient parking.

My wife and I, along with some of our family and friends, have attended several events in this facility in the past few years. This includes the Lipizzaner Stallion show mentioned above along with 2 of the Survivor Series Rodeos and several other events. The rodeo events are one of the main fundraisers of the Old Ford Volunteer Fire Department and it is always important to support the guys with the fire trucks!! We have found the paid events to be reasonably priced and it is surprising how many free events are available there. One example of this was the Team Roping event that we attended just a couple of weeks ago. My buddy, Stan Kittrell, also attended the Eastern Hunter Association Spring Indoor Horse Show about a week ago. My wife and I are still a little miffed that he went without us, despite the fact that he carried a camera and shot some video.

What a wonderful asset for Eastern North Carolina this facility has proven to be! Take a look at their schedule and you will find something going on there much of the time. Go over sometime and check it out. It’s only about 20 miles or so just north of Washington. I bet you’ll love it as much as we do!

Haven’s Gardens: In The “Original” Washington

Warren Moore, CRS, GRI (Warren Moore Real Estate) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:25:15 -0800

Haven’s Gardens is a park on the east side of Washington, NC that is located on the Pamlico River adjacent to Runyan Creek. It is located on 3^rd Street just before the bridge crosses over to Washington Park. There is something going on here on all but the bitterest of winter days and, when the weather is suitable for boating,…….it is absolutely hopping!!

First, the above mentioned bridge is brand new. Locals were routed around it for a year or more while it was being rebuilt. The pedestrian lanes on both sides are wide and it is common to see people walking, running or biking across it. The park takes in quite a bit of land along the river and people often fish from the banks. There are a couple of shelters with cookout and picnic facilities that can be reserved from the city for a small fee. While the parking seems generous, you might want to make plans to get there early for big events or popular summer weekends. A pier extends from the shore at the parking lot approx. 150’ into the river. A children’s park is incorporated into the facilities on the west side of the parking lot. I can remember taking my children to play on the swings, slides, etc. when they were small. Now, we take their children. How time flies…..but that is a matter for another day!

Across the street from the park is a public boat ramp which is suitable to launch trailerable boats and available space for parking a significant number of car/truck/trailer combinations. This ramp is nice for 2 reasons. First, it is FREE and secondly, it is going through a total renovation right now. Across the street from the boat ramp, you will find Inner Banks Outfitters, a bicycle and kayak business that seems to get busier every day. They offer both sales and rentals and carry a variety of product. Backwater Jacks, a popular Washington restaurant is located next to Inner Banks Outfitters. Approximately a year ago, I had a client tell me that they were interested in buying a particular house because it was close to Backwater Jacks. Now, that is some good food!

On warm days, you will find people filling all of these areas. Stop by and check it out. You will learn that “Fun of the Pamlico” is way more than just a phrase. It's a way of life!

See our video below!

MARKET TRENDS: There’s got to be some good housing news here……somewhere!

Warren Moore, CRS, GRI (Warren Moore Real Estate) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:13:28 -0800

The past few years have conditioned me to avoid seeing the good news even in seemingly great news. There seems to be a naysayer around every corner, not many of whom make their livings from real estate commissions. Having said all of this, let’s consider the following.

National Economic Outlook and Housings Contribution:
According to Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research Group, economic growth is expected to increase modestly compared to 2011. Consumer spending is up slightly and manufacturing and services expanded significantly. It was pointed out that the year-end growth rate was a by-product of a growth of business inventory, which is not considered an indicator of consumer demand or the health of the economy. The outlook was considerably more positive as it related to unemployment. The Group also reported that housing showed improvement late in the year with existing home sales rising in October, November and December. If this trend continues, housing will likely add to the gross domestic product (GDP) for the first time in 7 years. Read that last sentence again. It’s hard to paint that with too black of a brush! The report itemized a somewhat familiar list of global constraints that will likely continue to challenge economic growth, but the Group suggested that the economy appears to be more resilient than it has in recent months. All in all, I’d say this report card is a keeper.

National Existing Home Sales at 2-Year High:
The National Association of REALTORS® utilizes their index of pending home sales as a benchmark for the housing industry’s health. According to this index, contracts leading to the sale of existing homes is at a 2-year high. Normally based on a scale of 100, the index climbed 2 points to 97 in January. This level was 8% better than in January of 2011 when the level was recorded at 89.8. The January 2012 level of 97 was the highest since April 2010 when the home buyer tax credit inflated the index to 111.3. The January numbers saw every region of the country improve when compared on a year-by-year basis. Like the Fannie Mae Group above, Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, mentioned the improving unemployment rate prominently among other factors which influenced this improvement.

State and Local Area Market Trends:
North Carolina also enjoyed this upward trend in existing home sales. On a year-to-year basis, North Carolina REALTORS® experienced a 5% growth over January 2011, a level which exceeded expectations. Brevard County REALTORS® led the state with a year-to-date sales growth of over 100% in total dollar sales. Asheville and Washington/Beaufort County ranked 2^nd and 3^rd with 54% and 32% increases, respectively. Brevard County also took top honors with 60% price appreciation, while Washington/Beaufort County and Rocky Mount followed with 46% and 37%, respectively. CLICK HERE for the details of the reported statistics.

While all of the supporting articles associated with this report are cautiously optimistic, we must be thankful that we are seeing positive numbers in the housing market that are not outwardly driven by massive tax credits, etc. Let’s keep on keepin’ on!

Thanks to RISMedia and NCAR for the supporting stories.

Washington....Yesterday and Today

Warren Moore, CRS, GRI (Warren Moore Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:07:45 -0700

The area currently known as Beaufort County was originally explored by the English in the late 1500s but was not settled until about a century later. Bath was founded in 1705 and became the first incorporated town in North Carolina. James Bonner started the town that is currently known as Washington on his farm in 1770. Originally, Washington was known as "Forks of the Tar," but the name was changed to Washington in 1776 to honor General George Washington.

Due to its favorable location and navigable waterway, Washington played a significant role in the Revolutionary War after more southern ports were blockaded by the British. This prominent location established Washington as a cultural center of the area and eventually led to it being chosen as the county seat of Beaufort County.

Washington was captured by federal troops early in the Civil War and, consequently, played a small part in that conflict. This occupation by federal troops left Washington largely in ashes as fires set by the fleeing Union forces to destroy their naval stores swept through the town. After rebuilding the town, fire again destroyed much of it in 1900.

A rebirth of Washington as a vacation and retirement destination that began in the late 60s with the construction of Stewart Parkway continues today. In addition to the docks and amenities along Stewart Parkway, the renovation of the shops, restaurants, theatre, etc. in the downtown area is an integral part of this renovation.

Boaters and golfers, as well as families looking for a temperate climate and the warm atmosphere of a small town, are finding Washington a wonderful location for their new homes. Washington also offers a somewhat unique situation in Eastern NC. With a population of about 10,000, we maintain the "Mayberry" small town feel but relish the advantage of being situated just 25 minutes from Greenville, the medical and cultural hub of eastern North Carolina. Many of our residents live in Washington, enjoying its slow, easy pace and the amenities of the Pamlico but commute to Greenville to work.

An exciting adventure awaits you in one of the best real estate opportunities on the east coast!! Become part of the adventure. Come and see what Washington has to offer. You will not want to leave!

Washington...on the Pamlico

Warren Moore, CRS, GRI (Warren Moore Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:17:22 -0700

Arguably, the single greatest attraction to the Washington area is the Pamlico River. The Pamlico River originates in Washington and runs nearly west to east into the Pamlico Sound. Years ago, Washington was a port city and offered transportation for all types of commodities. Now, the attraction of the river is largely recreational.

Washington's most important attribute is the beautiful Pamlico River and its miles and miles of shoreline. Many rivers offer a place to tie your boat but offer an area that's just not "user friendly." Some areas do not offer protected water so that "your knuckles stay white" even on an afternoon daysail. Other areas do not have protected anchorages at varying distances from marinas so that you can take trips and overnight to various places.

The city of Washington, which happens to boast being "the original Washington," offers a more "user friendly" haven for anyone wishing to take advantage of the boating life or to just simply enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and beauty of the Pamlico River. It features many historical landmarks and architecture dating back to the Revolutionary period. The waterfront here is beginning to blossom with restaurants and shops. The annual "Washington Summer Festival" is a tradition now and offers everything from kiddie rides to a chance to slip on the penny loafers and dance to the likes of "The Embers." Another up and coming tradition, which is reminiscent of old southern-style living, is "Music in the Streets." This monthly community get-together during the warmer months blends music and neighborly fun.

The Pamlico River also offers great fishing for a relaxing pastime or an exciting hobby. Fishing is a way to be out in the open and take advantage of the peacefulness of the area. An escape from the everyday hustle and bustle or a habit-forming relaxing activity, fishing is absolutely a positive attribute of the Pamlico River.

Bath, the oldest incorporated town in NC, is just a few miles east of Washington. It is located on Bath Creek and, as one would imagine, offers walking tours through the old residences. Edward Teach, a.k.a. Blackbeard, the notorious pirate, made his home in Bath when he was not out helping rid seafarers of the early 18th century of their worldly goods,......and sometimes their lives! Plus, it is said that if you anchor in "Teaches' Hole" near the mouth of Bath Creek, you can sometimes hear the pirates' muskets firing and sabers clashing during the night.

If boating is a part of your life, eastern North Carolina is made for you. Many small, navigable creeks are located on both sides of the Pamlico for the 20 or so miles to the Pamlico Sound. These are largely not inhabited and make excellent overnight anchorages for a secluded getaway.

Belhaven, on the Pungo River, is also close by. Here you can anchor out or dock and enjoy the world famous smorgasbord of "The River Forest Manor." When you are visiting the area, staying and dining in this colonial southern mansion takes you back to an old southern way of life, in style.

One of the most popular weekend trips is to Ocracoke. Ocracoke is an island on the outer banks of North Carolina and is only accessible by ferry.......or boat. The quaint atmosphere where you can walk to most destinations or, if you want to really expand your horizons, rent a bike is just a short trip away. Chances are you will run into Mr. Teach (Blackbeard) again here, as Ocracoke was also part of his stomping grounds. It also happens to be where he met Lieutenant Maynard.......and his demise!

Boaters will also enjoy trips to the Morehead City, Beaufort and Cape Lookout areas. There is too much offered in these areas to even begin to do it justice. I will say that if you experience the beauty and serenity of the natural harbor at Cape Lookout, you will never want to leave. Trips by land as well can truly be an inviting get-away when visiting these nearby beach areas.

As you can see, there is a tremendous amount of boating opportunity, natural beauty and history to be enjoyed in the Washington area...and beyond! You don't have to be a boater to appreciate and crave the peaceful calm of the Pamlico River.

Come by sometime and let me show you how to have

FUN ON THE PAMLICO!