Press Release: "Gorham Completes CRS Course" Kathryn Gorham COMPLETES CUSTOMER SERVICE REFERRAL-BUILDING COURSE FOR THE RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST   Emerald Isle NC — September 21, 2009 — Kathryn Gorham has just returned from Raleigh NC where she completed a highly specialized course in customer service referral-based business conducted by the Council of Residential Specialists of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. This course is one in a series of professional education sequences required to qualify for the coveted Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation. The course covered the implementation of specific ideas to add value to and ensure the delivery of exceptional customer service both during and after the buying and/or selling of a home. During the two-day course, students ... 09/27/2009

HTC-TOUCH-PRO2: "Visual Voice Mail" The best $2.99 a month I've spent in a long time. The $2.99 for the Visual Voice Mail service by Verizon Wireless. · My voice mails show up in a list.- ON MY SCREEN - automatically - no need to call into my voicemail number! · I can pick and choose which ones to "play" · I can choose what order I want to listen/play my voice mails · To listen I click on one of the voice mail messages listed then click the "play" button · If I want to re-listen to a portion of the message I slide the bar to the appropriate location and click let it play again · I can reply back to the sender by text or voice mail. For the many times I was frustrated listening through several old messages just to get to the one I wanted, I am grateful for this new feature! This is a no ... 09/27/2009

Women's Council of Realtors O' What a Night Wednesday, September 23rd, at Shepherds Point Restaurant in Morehead City NC the Crystal Coast Chapter of the Women's Council of Realtors held an evening of socialization, recruitment, silent auction and door prizes. A wonderful family style dinner was served to complete the evening. Amy Hahn, Pine Knolls Shores Realty, and 2009 President of WCR Crystal Coast led the evening celebration off with a welcome and recognition of our many guests followed by door prizes. Chapter business was also conducted to elect the 2010 officers of WCR Crystal Coast. Marian Goetzinger the 2008 President was the Chairman of the Elections committee and announced the new slate of officers as: ~  President: Kathryn Gorham, Green Key Properties, Emerald Isle NC ~  Pre... 09/26/2009

North Carolina Offer to Purchase and Contract (Form 2-T)  "Major Changes in Store for 2010" For all the agents, brokers, buyers and sellers in North Carolina who read this and say: "More changes? So what? They change the form almost every year? Get Ready! This is not just a tweak here and a tweak there this is a major overhaul of the form. Drum roll... the new Due Diligence Contract - is coming to town. See below the article on the North Carolina Association of Realtors site from July 21, 2009. So what's in the new form you ask? I cannot say for sure as it is still in draft mode and I have not personally seen the new NC Offer to Purchase and Contract Form 2-T... BUT I have heard a few things that I can share with you. -  Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 will no longer exist -  In place o... 09/22/2009

HUD-1 Settlement Statement: "HUD-1 a standard form in use in the United States of America which is used to itemize services and fees charged to the borrower by the lender or broker" In March of 1986 the Department of Housing and Urban Development created a form that real estate closing attorneys, title companies and closing agents have been using now for more than thirty years - form HUD-1 (3/86) ref Handbook 4305.2  Come January 2010 a new form will be used. In North Carolina since I've been in real estate (2000) there have been form changes every year. One form the Offer to Purchase and Contract has had so many changes that there are now multiple change dates as part of the form number. Oh and by the way it is changing again in January 2010. Wait... that may be a misrepresentation... ... 09/21/2009

National Senior Instructor - Gee Dunsten presented a continued education class today in Atlantic Beach, NC for the Carteret County Association of Realtors and the Women's Council of Realtors on the current hot topic of... Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac A New Market & New Rules... A New Ballgame This class on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is a must for any agent servicing listings or working with buyers in today's market. The rules have changed. You are doing a disservice to yourself and your clients by not getting up to speed. If you don't go to one of Gee's classes  then find another way to get the information. See attached course outline detailing the topics to be covered. Some of the things we learned about Risked based Pricing for Loans New Loan Qualifications New Appraising Protocols Abs... 07/23/2009

Green or convenience... So it's 9:45pm. I just got back from a walk with the dog. We traveled out of Royall Oaks, across Coast Guard Road, into Dolphin Ridge, past the Dolphin Ridge Club, down the walkway to the beach, a short walk in the surf and sand, then up the public access and the reverse trip home. I'm feeling clear headed and refreshed. Time to check Active Rain, emails and work on a couple of items before bed. Click, click. No mouse movement. I look down and see the "red" light on my blue tooth mouse indicating that  I'm out of juice. I last replaced these ... hmm.... it was around the 15th of June. I'm feeling guilty as I go to toss them away. I hate adding to landfills with used batteries. Not very green of me. Three weeks is such a short time, but I do love my wireless blue ... 07/09/2009

Emerald Isle Residential - Market Statistics June 2009                 Pending Listings Emerald Isle Residential Photo List # Address Aprox. Htd SqFt +/- Total Bedrooms Total Bathrooms Year Built Primary Subdivision Sold Date Days On Market List Price Sold Price 09-1829 7117 CANAL Drive B Emerald Isle, NC 28594 1,008 2 2 1992  None    74 239,900 0 08-4681 9201 Coast Guard Rd F 305 Emerald Isle, NC 28594 425 0 1 1985  Pebble Beach    265 107,500 0 09-270 126 Ethel Drive Emerald Isle, NC 28594 2,170 4 4 1977  Oakland Hills    165 440,000 0 09-558 5902 McLean St Emerald Isle, NC 28594 1,900 4 4 2005  Surf Landing Cove    149 465,000 0 09-1363 106 PINEWOOD Place Emerald Isle, NC 28594 1,152 3 2 1985  Ocean Oaks    102 434,900 0 09-1669 8624 SOUND DRIVE A-3 Emerald Isle, NC 28594 1,160 2 2.... 07/08/2009

Hello Microsoft? This is Google calling... Want to talk operating systems? According to the Wall Street Journal, Wednesday, July 8th, Google Plans to Launch Operating System for PCs. According to the article by Jessica E. Vascellaro, "Google Inc. is preparing to launch an operating system for personal computers, a direct assault on the turf of software giant Microsoft Corp., which has long dominated the market for software that runs on PC applications." Wow is my first response. Competition for Windows will that bring improvements or complications? Probably both to begin with. Will my old software work or will I have to invest in new software? That is the killer factor in the "buy or don't buy" scenario.  In fact when I purchased a new computer a year ago I went to Dell's Business Syst... 07/08/2009

While I depend a lot on my Internet efforts to keep my real estate efforts going, I also try not to neglect more traditional means of marketing. Yesterday was the Fourth of July. I spent the majority of the day, printing and distributing a flier. The rental division of our company allows us to hand out information to people checking into their beach houses. It is agreat opportunity to get in front of a lot of people who already love our area. I spent a lot of time thinking about what type of flier would have some persistence. I ended up doing a map with some off island places that people new to the area might miss.  I included a list of 21 things to do at the beach, and a list of 18 restaurants that I felt comfortable recommending.  I also included links to two of my most popular travel... 07/05/2009

We use forms to track everything in real estate. We have check lists to help us remember to take care of all the details: enter into MLS, add to web site, sign in yard, pictures taken, blog posted to Active Rain, forms completed and in the files, added to Realtor.com, etc. We have closing checklists. Our check lists have check lists. We have them and we use them because they work. Many a time that check list has been the only thing to remind me to take care of a detail that otherwise would have fallen through the cracks. What about our buyers? Do they need a checklist? Our buyers look at many homes before they decide. Each home has many details that weigh for or against the purchase of that particular property. When they leave the home they are very clear about its pros and cons, but la... 07/03/2009

Jon Kolkin's Opening Reception for his photographic series, Tide Pool, to be held at the Dolphin Ridge Club Saturday, July 11th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The series will remain on display for ten days following the reception. Wind Etching Jon the artist, resides in Raleigh, NC and has a home in Royall Oaks subdivision, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. He has studied with some of the world’s best-known photographers including Elizabeth Opalenik, Bob Krist and Italy’s Massimo Bassano. Jon’s captivating images have won numerous first place awards in regional and national juried photography competitions. His artwork has also been features in solo and group exhibitions around the country and in prominent photography fine art magazines such as B & W and Camera Arts. He is a frequent lecturer on the to... 07/03/2009

Plays Well with Others... team building brought to the Women's Council of Realtors at the Crystal Coast by Kelly Cobb. Today, June 24th, 2009, at the Country Club of the Crystal Coast we were graced with a wonderful speaker at our chapter luncheon. Kelly Cobb the inspiration and leader of the Kelly Cobb Home Team of Cary, NC a Fonville Morisey/Long and Foster Company. Kelly talked to us about building a team and how her team works. She is the leader and the strength and guidance comes from her.   Kelly Cobb - Kelly Cobb Home Team - Fonville Morisey a Long & Foster Company Take the pressure off. Hire someone to do the details so you can do what you do best. One of the comments that I liked best was "instill in your team that they are to be of service; not servants." How often our clients... 06/24/2009

Emerald Isle is a grand destination for enjoying the beach, the ocean, fishing, jet skis, kayaks, tennis, water slides, miniature golf, go carts, dinning and many other fun activities while visiting or vacationing. One thing to remember is there are also great places to pamper yourself. Take an hour or two and visit Ocean Nails in the Emerald Plantation. View Emerald Plantation Shopping Center in a larger map Take the time to have your nails done to perfection while sipping a delicious cup of coffee from Beans & Screens Coffee Shop next door. Or relax a while in the massage chairs while having a pedicure and foot massage. Chris, the owner, told me that many a client has been known to fall asleep while having their pedicure, listening to relaxing music, and having the chair massage their... 06/23/2009

Dolphin Ridge Emerald Isle, a picturesque ocean side subdivision in the Town of Emerald Isle, NC It is a gated subdivision with seven streets: Dolphin Ridge RoadOutrigger CourtCalypso CourtPosseiden RoadGreen Glenn RoadSpinnaker PlaceSandy Court Many of the ocean front homes are on the seasonal rental market, but not all. A few of the ocean front homes are primary residences. Seasonal rentals are permitted in this subdivision, however most homes are primary residences. Most of the second row homes and interior homes are primary residences. There is a mix of retirees, professionals, and young couples with children. This gated community that houses the Dolphin Ridge Club, a private beach, pool and tennis club open to membership. Residents are welcome to join but not required to purchase a... 06/08/2009

Time to expose a hidden island secret! On Emerald Isle there is a wonderful place that deserves to be exposed. Emerald Isle beach weddings and Emerald Isle Beach Club can be found at the Dolphin Ridge Club. Sunday Henry, my husband, and I were sitting at the Dolphin Ridge Club enjoying the view, the lovely landscaping, socializing with friends and strangers, and waiting for our lunch when it hit me -- this is such a magnificent place and many people are unaware of it. I can do something about that. I can write a blog about it. A view of the ocean from the porch and pool area.   This Sunday afternoon Henry & I shared the Ham & Cucumber sandwich. Wendy, the owner, comes from a catering background and she creates wonderful sandwiches and saladsmakes for the menu. Each year she comes up wit... 06/08/2009

According to a Wall Street Journal article today...    By BRIAN BLACKSTONE WASHINGTON -- U.S. job losses softened markedly last month, sending one of the strongest signals yet that the severe recession may be winding down.   http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124420479347588831.html That said we still have 17 months of joblosses on the books matching a record set in 1981- 1982.  We have a way to go to climb out of this recession an I will take this "slowing" of the job loss as one sign we are reaching the "turning point." Job Loss by month January 2009 - 741,000February 2009 - 681,000March 2009 - 652,000April 2009 - 504,000May 2009 - 345,000 I always like to share when I find news that is good. Count your blessings today if you are one of the ones with a job. Kathryn Gorham | Sun-Surf Real... 06/05/2009

I've been wondering about the little orange symbol on sites for RSS feed. I mean it is even on my MLS client portal sites. I know it stands for RSS feed, but what is it and why do I want to try it. Wikipedia - defines it as Really Simple Syndication. http://www.whatisrss.com/ What is RSS .com site - says it is Rich Site Summary My curiosity led me to looking it up while waiting the half hour for Flex MLS to come back online yesteray. I found this youtube video that tells it in plain english much better than I can and I thought I would share it.   CommonCraft - presents RSS in plain English. I now have my Google Reader and I am adding sites. Will let you know how it goes. Next I want to learn how to add an RSS feed to my website - that may take a bit more learning. But I love learning. K... 06/04/2009

It is early Friday evening on the Crystal Coast. But not just any Friday evening. It is the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. Here in Emerald Isle it was like someone flipped a switch and they poured in in droves. There were mobs at the grocery store, there was a line of cars waiting to come over the bridge and I-40 from Raleigh was crawling with traffic. Season has begun and in a big way.   WELCOME TO THE BEACH - SEASON HAS BEGUN! Kathryn Gorham | Sun-Surf Realty | Emerald Isle North Carolina www.KathrynGorham.com 2010 President Women's Council of REALTORS® Crystal Coast Chapter 252.646.4656 cell · 252.354.2958 office Southern Outer Banks NC | Crystal Coast NC | Coastal Carolina ActiveRain an Online Referral Network Women's Council of REALTORS® a National Referral Network Copyright © 200... 05/23/2009

The Cyrstal Coast Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS received a Gold Award at the mid-year meetings in Washington DC for chapter excellence.   Amy Hahn Cyrstal Coast Chapter President, Ann DeFries 2008 National President, Kathryn Gorham Crystal Coast Chapter President-Elect on stage to receive the award. Networking Session at the DC Mid-year Convention Becky Hill WCR National President (Houston, TX), Amy Hahn Crystal Coast WCR President, Brenda Ballard 2000 WCR National President and 2009 President Elect for Carteret County Association of REALTORS, Kathryn Gorham Crystal Coast WCR President-Elect Brenda Ballard, Brenda Roney (Carteret County Association of REALTORS Association Executive), Kathryn Gorham & Amy Hahn at the Women's Council Awards Ceremony wearing "Pearls of Wisdom"... 05/20/2009