Currently there is a thirteen(+) month supply of houses on the market in this area. The average list price over the past 6 months was  $271,112 and the average sale price was $265,112. The average days on the market was 142 days. The average number of houses sold in the past 6 months was 11.5 per month. As of March 6, 2008 there were 158 houses for sale in this area.  The biggest amount of inventory is in the $200k-$249,999k with 68 properties.  The second largest pool of inventory is the $250,000k-$299,999K range with 29 properties. Under 200k the inventory is very tight at this time. In February 2008  seven homes sold as compared with eighteen in February 2007.  The average days on the market for properties sold in February 2008 was 185 compared to 128 for February 2007. It's a buyers... 03/25/2008

Brices Creek is an area that has seen significant growth in the past several years.  This "out in the country" area is not really country anymore.  Several nice developments have been implimented in this area south of James City and east of the Trent River. Some of the neighborhoods are Snug Harbor, Hunter's Ridge, Oakview, Deer Run, Hunter's Ridge, the Homeplace, Rock Creek, Lake Clermont, Pecan Ridge and others are coming. This area is accessable by Madame Moore's Lane and Brice's Creek Road.  Brices Creek Road will carry you to Pollocksville via the "back way" if you need to get to Jacksonville a little quicker than going thru New Bern. Brice's Creek has been the setting for a popular novel written by New Bern resident, Nickolas Sparks. Stop by Merchant's Grocery. This is a fine exam... 03/25/2008

I had the pleasure of being the first "open market" real estate broker in New Bern to tour SkySail Condos located on the beautiful Trent River in downtown New Bern, N.C. on Tuesday March 25, 2008. This is a most impressive building, which has 121 units according to Claudia Outlaw, on-site sales representative.  The building has four floors. The water views are beautiful and many units overlook the Sheraton Grand Marina.  Great views of the Neuse River , Neuse River Bridge and Bridge Pointe Harbour are also possible. Of the 121 units, contracts have been accepted on 99.  There are still 22 units for sale.  They range from approx. 800 square feet to around 1800 square feet.  Prices range from just under $250,000K to over $778,000K for the remaining units,  according to the latest price sh... 03/25/2008

Last week I had the pleasure of showing homes listed for sale in the downtown historic district of New Bern.  It was picture perfect weather, a"bluebird" kind of day! The first stop was the John Horner Hill House located on Pollock Street, not far from Tryon Palace.  This home was built somewhere between 1770-1780. It is an example of Georgian architecture. Another house visited was the Richardson House, built around 1920.  It was a wedding present to Robert A. Richardson's daughter from her father and mother.  We also visited Stanley Hall, which was built somewhere around 1874.  The second story was our point of interest, as it has been demo'ed and approved for conversion to condo's. Stanley Hall has been a dance hall, court room and gymnasium at various times.  This place is cavernous... 03/24/2008

 Your North Carolina Broker Sonja Babic 252-617-0861 www.SonjaBabic.com  Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your New Bern and North Carolina Real Estate Broker! Looking for waterfront, historic or golf? We have it all! Conveniently located and with so much to offer New Bern is a great place to work, play and retire! Please contact me for more information's or to request your FREE info pack! 03/19/2008

Presented by Prudential Clear Water Realty 4015 Marina Townes Dr.      $239,500New Bern North CarolinaCome as you are.....This never occupied two bedrooms, two bath unit overlooking themarina comes with all appliances and it has.Finally affordable waterfront life style!No amenities fees, no POA dues, no city TAXES!Community offers top amenities, two gold courses, two marinas, Indoor pool, Outdoor pool and moBUT LOOK AT THE VIEW!        Boat slips available for sale separate.  Property has numerous upgrades and it is in immaculate condition.  You could be waking up to this view every morning.            Your North Carolina Broker Sonja Babic 252-617-0861    Search entire New Bern MLS at                   http://www.sonjababic.com/  Sonja Babic with Prudential Clear Water Realty is your N... 03/19/2008

Another good reason to buy real estate in Craven County today is the recent increase in FHA Mortgage limits. The FHA mortgage limit* for a single family residence has increased to $271.050.00 for Craven County North Carolina, as of March 5, 2008.  The old limit was $200,160.00 for single family residences in Craven County. This should be exciting news for people considering buying a home in Craven County. Major towns in Craven County include, New Bern, Havelock, Trent Woods, River Bend, Vanceboro. The choices of homes available in great areas with favorable financing helps make this the time to buy. For more information about real estate in Craven County N.C., please contact me. * mortgage info source entp.hud.gov       03/18/2008

 I have lived in Trent Woods since 1994, moving from a pretty restricted neighborhood in the same area.  New Bern has several lovely neighborhoods; golf course communities, gated communities and a beautiful downtown Historic District, just to mention a few.Trent Woods stretches along the Trent River almost from the downtown area  between the river and US Hwy 17 south.  It is incorporated, we do have water and sewer and we have out own police department.  It is a much less restricted neighborhood than most others, however, we probably have residing in our neighborhood a high percentage of the local business and professionals.  It is a highly desired area, not just because of the beautiful waterfront property, but because it is a family oriented neighborhood and wonderful place to raise k... 03/18/2008

 March 16, St. Patrick's Day parade begins at 2 p.m. on Middle Street; street entertainment and performers; best Leprechaun and Irish Colleen contest begins at noon on corner of Middle and Broad streets; Irish fare and music begins at 2 p.m.at The Chelsea, Captain Ratty's Seafood & Steakhouse and MJ's Raw Bar & Grille; international performer Jennifer Licko 2 p.m. at The Chelsea; event capped off with a pub crawl beginning at 6 p.m.at The Chelsea, progressing to MJ's and ending at Harvey Mansion Historic Inn & Restaurant - turn gold coins into prizes    "The whole New Bern High School football team, the whole team, will be our grand marshals,"  This year state champions " New Bern Bears" will be taking o this very important role and lead the parade.  Don't miss a contest to choose the b... 03/15/2008

Market report for Ghent Historical Area : Last twelve months through 2/29/2008, saw sixteen homes sell.  Median price was $135,000, and the Average price was $149,737.   Avg days on market  36. $80k-99,999K        5 $100-119,999K      1 $120-139,999K      3 $140-159,999K      2 $180_,199,999K    1 $200-249,999K     3 $250-299,999K    1 Avg days on Mkt    36 Prices can range from $40k- high 300,000's DeGraffenried Park Historical District: saw ten homes sell in the last twelve months through 2/29/2008.  Median price $153,000. and average price of $153,890.  Average days on market 38. $80-99,999K        1 $100-119,000K    2 $120-139K          2 $140-159K          2 $160-179K          1 $200-249,999K   1 $250-299K         1 Prices can range from 40,000k to low 500,000K. Informational purpo... 03/15/2008

The Downtown Historic area saw ten homes sell in the last twelve months, through Feb  29, 2008.  Median sales price $200,000,  Average price $198,000.  Average days on market  131. $40-0-59K     2 $140-159K    3 $160-179K    1 $200-249K   2 $300-399K   1 $400-499k   1 Prices can range from 30,000K to upwards $1 million for large waterfront homes. Riverside district last twelve months:  9 homes sold   Median sell price $165,000,  Average price $160,722. Average days on market 114. 80-999K  1 $120-139k   3 $160-179K  2 $200-249K  3 Prices can range from around 40K to high 200K depending on condition Informational purposes only from local MLS. Deemed reasonable NOT guaranteed.     03/15/2008

I was on my way to a listing appointment this a.m. when I saw some folks assembling on the Pembroke/Hwy 70 intersection. I decided to stop on the way back to see what was going on.  Here's what I discovered. More than 30 volunteers from local scouts to youth church groups and members of the New Bern High Jr. Naval R.O.T.C where in the process of putting up 4,446 American flags in memory and honor of the Americans who have paid the ultimate price for individual rights and freedom in Iraq. These folks were working under the watchful eye of Steven Kelley, each row and placement being measured to insure uniformity. March 20, will mark the fifth anniversary of the war which has affected many people in many ways.  This is the second year the Iraq War Anniversary Committee has undertaken activ... 03/15/2008

New Bern North Carolina currently has 4 designated historic districts. The largest, the downtown district consists of a 56 square block area entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.  This area is subject to locally designated exterior alteration control measures through the Historic Preservation Commission. At least 60 structures have been saved from the wrecking ball by efforts of the New Bern Preservation Foundation.  These historically significant properties were purchased by the Preservation Foundation and resold to individuals for restoration. Riverside is another area subject to oversight by the Historic Preservation Commission.  Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Riverside started being developed in the late 1890's.  Originally this was a mi... 03/14/2008

The New Bern Historic Homes and Gardens tour will be held April 11-12, 2008 in New Bern, N.C. from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Call 252-638-8558 for tour ticket prices and additional information. Come see some outstanding historic properties in the downtown area.  The tour is sponsored by the New Bern Historical Society and The New Bern Preservation Foundation.  At least 60 properties have been saved from the wrecking ball by the efforts of the Preservation Society over the years. There will also be a free ARTWALK on April 11 from 5p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition the New Bern Blues and Jazz Festival will be held on April 11-12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Convention Center downtown on the bank of the Trent River. Call 866-624-7119 for ticket prices and information.  Hurry this event usually sells out!... 03/14/2008

I know it may be difficult to believe what I 'm posting today, however I researched material and received assistance from people who know. With foreclosures dominating the national news, I decided to research the local Craven County/New Bern , N.C.  records on foreclosures. I found that Craven County had  310 foreclosures in 2006 and 331 in 2007.  This represents an annual increase of +6.77%.  A far cry from what we are constantly being told by the media. Further,the foreclosures filed in January and February 2007 totaled  56 whereas filings for January and February 2008 totaled 63.  This included one extra day for Leap year and represents a +12.5% increase. North Carolina has had the good fortune to avoid some of the real estate problems that are being problematic in states like Nevada... 03/14/2008

This column is customized each month so that I can share with you, the current monthly statistics. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Or, visit my website at http://www.newbernhomes.com/ HOMES SOLD (Closed), February 1 through February 28.(From NB Board of Realtors MLS System)Under $100K = 9$100K-$159,999 = 42$160K-$199,999 = 22$200K-$249,999 = 13$250K-$299,999 = 8$300K-$399,999 = 8$400K - $499,999 = 4Over $500,000 = 2Total = 108NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "SOLD"NEIGHBORHOOD PROPERTIES "FOR SALE" For the BEST Internet Marketing, and the Most Responsive Service in New Bern, Contact DIANNE! ddunn@dunn.com(252) 636-3301 or Toll Free: (888) 781-8800 03/06/2008

03/04/2008

 The backbone of the Alfred Cunningham replacement bridge over the Trent River is taking shape, with placement of the deck girders.                                                        The $40 million replacement of the Cunningham swing span and construction of a bascule drawbridge has a target opening date for November 2009. A bascule bridge is "a drawbridge hinged on pins with a counterweight to facilitate raising," according to an article in Wikipedia. It typically opens upward from the middle. The Cunningham Bridge, which closed in May 2007, was New Bern's link to U.S. 70 and U.S. 17 from downtown, beginning at Union Point Park. Bridge closing was a very emotional and memorable moment for many of us as The Cunningham Bridge was a gate to New Bern's historic downtown for many years... 03/03/2008

                                                                                            Special Thank you to Miriam Willis with First South Bank    I am so proud to let you know that Prudential Clear Water's Seller Seminar held on 2-23-2008 in Emerald Golf  Club was a great success. I was advertising it on here and on localizam in Sellers Seminar Feb. 23rd at Emerald Golf Club! . We had about 30 guests witch is my personal record for any type of seminar. All the speakers where excellent and lots of good informations got exchanged. Sellers are very motivated and in the market like the one we are experiencing right now they see differences between agents. we have picked up four listings!!! And we have few more in the works. Very great and positive event. And I am looking forward to th... 02/26/2008

                               Things to do in New Bern this weekend!                              2/22 Tryon Palace History After Dark - Professor Norling' scholarship is located at the intersection between maritime history and women's history. As U.S. history appropriately incorporates international and comparative perspectives, Professor Norling emphasizes recognizing the significance of the sailors and ships that linked America and the rest of the world for centuries. Norling's prize-winning book, Captain Ahab Had a Wife, examines gender dynamics in the American whaling industry from the 18th through the 19th centuries. The book describes the functional independence of maritime men's and women's work and situates this within the ideological interdependence of masculine and feminine ... 02/21/2008