A new law in North Carolina will affect students in Craven County including those that attend public, private and those participating in home schooling. Students who are twelve years old, in the sixth grade and who have not had a TDAP(tetanus,diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) booster shot in the last five years will be required to provide documentation that they have received the booster shot recently. Officials at the Craven County Board of Education told me that a letter was sent home to all fifth grade student's homes, last Spring to make parents aware of the new law and it's implications for the 2008-2009 school year.  Students enrolling after August 1st will have to provide immunization documentation to register for classes.  If documentation is not provided, the parent's will h... 08/04/2008

The North Carolina History Education Center  is coming to New Bern N.C.  This new 60+ million dollar project is getting ready to begin.  Construction site work starts this August.  There thousand loads of fill will be hauled into the downtown area located on the Trent River, bordered by Metcalf and South Front Street. This green-designed project with provisions for wetlands to filter storm water runoff, a parking lot with a permeable surface that allows water absorption, and the use of recycled construction materials is being constructed on a Brownfield's site, an old industrial site that was a major source of contamination of the Neuse River Basin.  This was a Superfund property and remediation was handled under the NC Superfund, a part of the North Carolina Department of Environmental... 08/04/2008

All around North Carolina Retail stores are ready for the big weekend. The seventh annual tax free weekend for back to school supplies is once again expected to be a big shopping event. Parents are planning to purchase all the supplies they will need for a year and get that dollar bill as far as it goes. This is the seventh year the state has allowed certain exemptions from its 6.75 percent sales tax. The holiday started at 12:01 a.m. Friday and continues to 11:59 p.m. Sunday. During that time clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item; school instructional materials of $300 or less per item; sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item, computers of $3,500 or less per item; and computer supplies of $250 or less per item will be exempt.   If you need tha... 08/01/2008

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, however due to the large number of homes for sale in the Neuse River Region Association of REALTORS® maybe the word "picture" should be replaced with "graph". We are in the middle of a BUYER'S MARKET and based on sales so far this year I suspect that we will be for some time to come.  However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel, and no it's not a train!  I'm talking about the HOUSING RESCUE bill that hopefully President Bush will sign into law today. Three of the things I am most excited about are: The $7500.00  tax credit for first time home buyers Help for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Addition benefits/protection for VA loan participants(good news for our Military population including MCAS Cherry Point active duty and retirees.... 07/28/2008

The buyers market continues to hang on for the second year here in New Bern.  Inventory levels are high, buyers are few in numbers and the bottom and top ranges of the market is where we are seeing movement. One the high end we have seen 1 million plus home sell this quarter which brings the total for the year to 3. There are currently 27 million dollar plus listed properties for sale. One the other end the market between $100,000 and 199,999 represented 49.3% of our market for the second quarter . Here's the rest of the news:          2nd Qt 2008                                       2nd QT 2007 Sales single family home                          436                                                      590 Avg days on market                                 139                            ... 07/26/2008

It appears that financing is getting harder for buyers to put together to get the home that they are wanting.  In the market that I work in, located in eastern North Carolina, this is where the money came from from July 2007-July 2008. Cash 15.5%       VA   21%     Conventional  56.5%     FHA 5.6%   I think next year these numbers are going to change based on the backlash we are now seeing in the mortgage markets.  I'd like to hear how your market gets it's money and the percentages.   These numbers are from the Neuse River Region Assocation of REALTORS® , located in New Bern NC.   07/26/2008

PRUDENTIAL VALUE RANGE MARKETING - This home is marketed in the price range $244,900- $284,876 Sellers will entertain offers in the price range. GREAT HOME, GREAT PRICE!   Sonja Babic | Prudential Clear Water Realty | sonja@suddenlink.net | 252/617-0861 437 Gatewood Dr., New Bern, NC Welcome to your own “Bird Sanctuary” 3BR/2.5BA Single Family House offered at $284,876 Year Built 1983 Sq Footage 1,850 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 1.9 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Welcome to your own “Bird Sanctuary” You will not believe the peace and tranquility you will feel once on this property. As soon as you turn off the street on the scenic driveway covered with crushed shells (marl) you will know you are coming home. 1.9 acre surrounded w... 07/26/2008

Plans are well under way for the 2008 Neuse River Bridge Run on Saturday 18, 2008.  The event features 2 different courses and 3 events.  The 10k course starts in Bridgeton and finishes at Union Point Park, 6.2 miles. The 5k run and walk will start at Union Point and proceed through the historic areas of downtown New Bern. Proceeds will benefit 11 nonprofit agencies. Volunteers are needed to help support the event. Visit http://www.newbernrun.com/front.html for more information including how to preregister. There is also a costume event for the festive minded runner/walker. We are planning for 1500 plus runners and walker.  Come join the fun. If you don't run or walk come out and cheer everybody on.. The runners will appreciate your support! If you would like to make a contribution clic... 07/18/2008

New Bern High School's Junior ROTC unit was recently  recognized as a " distinguished unit with academic honors."  Only 10 % of NJROTC units in the world gain this recognition with the academic honors included. The New Bern NJROTC completed more than 3,000 community service hours this year.  One member was credited with administering first aid that helped save the life of a stricken runner during the 2007 Neuse River Bridge Run. Others helped place flags marking the 5th anniversary of the war on terror and honoring the dead and wounded soldiers.  The school's principal will be able to nominate three students to each of the American military academies because of this award this year.  Eight students were inducted into the National Honor Society this year. Learn more about New Bern High S... 07/18/2008

Springhill Suites will be the name of the new hotel being erected on Hotel Drive in New Bern.  The 5 story building will increase the hotel room inventory in New Bern by 109 rooms.   Currently there are about 860 rooms available in New Bern. The hotel is located close to Hwy 70 exit and entry ramps with easy access to Martin Luther king Jr. Blvd, a major New Bern roadway.  This is allow guest to be on their way east and west very easily by US 70 or travel quickly to the down historic areas and  the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. The rooms are about 25% larger than the traditional hotel room and will feature sofas, microwaves, small refrigerators.  The cost of the project is reportedly in excess of 10 million dollars.   07/18/2008

New Bern has the distinction of being the first capital of North Carolina and is the second oldest town in the state. Governor William Tryon had "Tryon Palace" constructed  between 1767-1770. Tryon Palace was the first state capital building but was destroyed by fire in 1798.  The current Tryon Palace was rebuilt on the orginal site using the orginal plans. The plans were located in England, and the re-construction was started in the early 1950's.   Tryon Palace attracts one hundred thousand visitors plus each year and had events for locals and tourist year round.  The major attraction in my opinion is the Centuries of Celebrations which usually runs for the month of December.  You can find out more about Tryon Palace and upcoming activities at www.tryonpalace.org     07/18/2008

Independence Day events on Friday New Bern Union Point Park 3 p.m. - Park opens, with food, music, crafts, displays and activities for children including an inflatable park 7 to 9 p.m. - 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band 9:15 p.m. - Fireworks Havelock City Park 5 p.m. - Opening ceremony 5:15 p.m. - Sack race 5:30 p.m. - Havelock High School plays 6:30 p.m. - Egg relay race 6:45 p.m. - Havelock Community Band 8 p.m. - Pie-eating contest 8:45 p.m. - Fireworks River Bend Town Hall, Plantation Drive 9:30 a.m. - Line up for parade 10 a.m. - Parade begins 11 a.m. - Activities and games begin 11:15 p.m. - Patriotic ceremony at town hall 11:45 p.m. - Lunch Tryon Palace Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Festivities, games, crafts, displays, free garden admission 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. - Mock cann... 07/03/2008

A public groundbreaking for the North Carolina History Education Center is scheduled for 5 p.m. Friday. The event will be the culmination of more than a decade of work by Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens staff and local and state advocates of history education It begins with a 5 p.m. performance by the Jonkonnu Troupe, a 5:25 p.m. parade by the Fife and Drum Corps, and the groundbreaking ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at which Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue and Rep. William Wainwright are scheduled to speak. The new History Center will be a 60,000-square-foot "green" project with four major history museum galleries, a performance hall, other educational and conference spaces, and a waterfront exhibit and event area. The center's Great Hall will become the new entry to all of Tryon Palace's historic ... 06/19/2008

p>    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! 06/07/2008

  - Complimentary Hotel Room, $5,000 Discount, and    Early Appointment for Priority Reservation    Holders. - Personal One on One Attention - Delicious Southern Cuisine Will Be Catered - No Pressure  This will be the first time anyone will have the opportunity to take a tour of RiverShore. This unique property has never been offered to the public and prices will never be this low again. Contacting me today to attend the Grand Opening on June 28th! Anticipation is high, and properties are expected to move quickly at RiverShore.   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 wi... 06/06/2008

There will be plenty of fun for the entire gang at Union Point and on the Neuse and Trent Rivers Saturday May 31, 2008 from 8 a.m. and ending with the "Rubber Duck Race" at 5 p.m. This is an annual event that celeberates the importance and delight that these water resources bring to the area and it's residents.  All proceeds go to fund the Neuse River Foundation. Water activites including: a 10 mile Bridges canoe/kayak race  cardboard box canoe race The Great Twin Rivers Raft Race The Great Rubber Duck Race   Land based activites can be enjoyed at Union Point Park as well from 9a.m. to 5p.m.   For more information www.neuseriver.org or call 252-637-7972 05/29/2008

I was reading some information from the National Association of REALTORS® "Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2007"the other day. I got some interesting information that I'd like to credit the N.A.R.® with and pass on. I wonder if the homeowner attempting to sell their own property remembers the complexity of the real estate transaction when they bought the property.  Chances are they had a great agent who helped them navigate all the surprises, twists and turns and got everyone to the closing table. Someone made it seem easy, right?   Since the average home owner sells every 4-7 years, things may have changed such as disclosure regulations, "time is of the essence" wording and other things professional agents deal with every day. *From the profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2007 Only 1... 05/26/2008

Work is continuing on the "43 connector" in New Bern...The last girder for this bridge/overpass  at Hwy 70 east was set the night of June 3, 2008.  This project has a projected cost of 38 million dollars.  When complete this roadway will make access to Bosch and other businesses in this area easier.  In addition travelers on NC 43 will have access to a four lane roadway quicker and easier.        05/22/2008

Craven Regional Medical Center is our hospital.  It has approx. 313 beds for patients that need medical attention requiring hospitalization.   CRMC is undergoing an expansion program to provide even better services for the public.  Construction is underway to add one floor to the older main building and 2 floors to the newer section on the right of the building. After all the renovations are complete in the Fall of 2009 a net gain of 37 beds is expected.  This will bring the new capacity to about 350 beds. In addition all Med/Surg rooms will be private. This expansion is extimated to cost about 22 million dollars and work is ongoing.  The new wings will add 20 beds for Cardiovascular Intermediate Care, 20 beds for Med/Surg and 20 beds for Orthopedics with handicap access.      Craven Re... 05/22/2008

We finally have a Dunkin Donuts! Since Tuesday New Bern's Dunkin Donuts lovers don't have to drive to Havelock any more. We have a new store located conveniently in Taberna just of HWY 70. I don't know about you but this is a BIG NEWS for me and I hope I will see you there soon.  The New Bern store will be open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Holloways (owners and operators) said they will offer the coffee at four more new spots by next year. They plan to open a new store at the intersection of Neuse Boulevard and Simmons Street.                       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 i... 05/21/2008