Happy New Year Everyone

December 30th, 2011

Oak Island homes for saleNew Year’s Eve, the night when all of the holiday celebrations near their end in a grand finale at the completion of 2011 and the start of a brand new 2012. This is a night to reflect on the previous year and make your resolutions for the new year ahead that offers hope, peace and love.

What an exciting time of year to be visiting North Carolina and looking at Oak Island homes for sale. While you’re here you have to experience the fireworks that take place on the Coastal Carolinas oceanfront. Up and down the coast for as far as the eye can see you’ll experience the explosive colors of fireworks filling the sky. From a chair or blanket on the beach you’ll have a front row seat for the fireworks display up and down the 60 miles of coastline.

If you choose to venture out to celebrate in the area there are events worth pursuing both south in Myrtle Beach, SC and north in Wilmington, NC. Be safe while you’re on the roads and we wish a Happy New Year to everyone!

Keep in mind that we do have some beautiful Oak Island homes for sale at this time. The prices are good and the interest rates are still at a record low. Make one of your New Year’s Resolutions to be pursuing that dream home you’ve always been wanting. I’ll be waiting for your call.

Wishing All of You a Merry Christmas

December 23rd, 2011

Ocean Isle Beach homes for saleAll of us at Mary Ann Bechtel Real Estate would like to wish you and your family and friends a very Merry Christmas 2011! If you or any of your family members are interested in looking at any Ocean Isle Beach homes for sale over the holiday season please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am always available to meet with you.

We have many Ocean Isle Beach homes for sale sure to fill the needs of you and your family, maybe not in time for this Christmas but surely in time for next years. Peace be with you and yours.

Here are some holiday events taking place in the nearby area:

The Palace Theatre’s Christmas on Ice is taking place now through December 31, 2011. From the Creators of the International smash hit show, Spirit of the Dance, comes this new and exciting show featuring championship ice skaters, the best high-kicking dancers this side of New York and all your favorite Christmas songs sung by the best of Broadway and London’s West End in this two-hour holiday extravaganza. The Palace Theatre, Myrtle Beach, SC.

As part of the City of Wilmington’s annual downtown Christmas tree lighting, the City of Wilmington Lighting of the Ship will be illuminated from the bow, up to the masts and down to the stern. It will be nightly from dusk until 11:00 p.m. on December 31, 2011 with the best view from downtown Wilmington, NC.

Keeping Pets Safe During the Holidays

December 14th, 2011

Holden Beach homes for saleThe holidays are such a glorious time of year, filled with happy anticipation and joyous reunions with family and friends you haven’t seen for a while. This time of year can be especially hazardous for our four legged pets so it’s our job to keep them safe. Help your pets celebrate the season safely whether at home in one of our Holden Beach homes for sale, or on vacation with you, by protecting them from these holiday hazards:

* Mistletoe, holly, poinsettias and Christmas lilies are all toxic to pets when ingested. When using holiday plants to decorate your dining table, move them to a location where pets can’t reach between mealtimes.

* Tape down electrical cords for holiday lights to prevent chewing on them and unplug tree lights before leaving home.

* Secure your Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling to keep it from falling on pets. Don’t let pets drink water from the tree holder.

* Keep tinsel and other ornaments well out range of pets. Cats in particular like to play with tinsel, and some will eat it, which can block intestines. Pets can mistake ornaments for toy balls to pets, and shards from broken glass ornaments can cause injury to mouths and paws.

* To reduce stress, maintain your pets’ routines. While vacationing or showing your Holden Beach homes for sale walk your dog as you always do. Serve their meals at regular times. Make sure fresh water is always available for them.

* Remember that holiday foods that are fine for people can make pets seriously ill. Macadamia nuts can cause muscular weakness, depression, vomiting, disorientation, tremors, abdominal pain and muscle stiffness in dogs. Chocolate can be fatal; ingesting as little as 1/4 ounce can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hyperactivity and increase thirst, urination and heart rate.

We have quite a few Holden Beach homes for sale to show you while visiting the area. We hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable holiday this year!

Holiday Events in Brunswick County

November 28th, 2011

Ocean Isle Beach condosNow that the holidays are here there are so many Ocean Isle Beach condos and beach homes being decorated for the season. It’s such a beautiful time of year and there’s plenty to see and do in the surrounding area in celebration of the season. Most events are in close proximity to many Ocean Isle Beach condos that are for sale.

Bring your family and friends to the following events in celebration of the holiday season.

Holiday Lighting of the Ship
Now through December 31, 2011

As part of the City of Wilmington’s annual downtown Christmas tree lighting, the ship will be illuminated from the bow, up to the masts and down to the stern. It will be nightly from dusk until 11:00 p.m. with the best view from downtown Wilmington.

Brunswick County Concert Band Christmas Concert
December 2, 2011 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Bring your family and friends to see the Brunswick County Concert Band, Big Band, and BLT Singers perform at Hatch Auditorium, Caswell Beach. This event is free.

Shallotte Christmas Parade 2011
December 3, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

Come and enjoy the fun in Shallotte at their annual Christmas Parade.

Brunswick County Concert Band Christmas Concert
December 4, 2011 from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Brunswick County Concert Band, Big Band, BLT Singers perform at Odell Williamson Auditorium, Brunswick Community College. Free admission.

Living on Bald Head Island

November 18th, 2011

Bald Head Island condosIf you’re the type of person that privacy and island living sounds like the ideal life for you, then come take a look at our Bald Head Island condos and just imagine living here. As the southernmost island in North Carolinas cape islands, this private island community encompasses a total of 12,000 acres and is accessible only by a 20 minute ferry ride from Southport, North Carolina.

Here, beautiful homes overlook the beaches, water and salt marshes that make up the island landscape. Homeowners and their guests travel by electric golf carts and bicycles by paved and unpaved paths. Guests can rent carts by the day while visiting the island.

Graced by miles of white sandy beaches, a championship golf course, 2 club houses, state of the art fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pools, a full-service marina, an immense network of walking and cycling paths winding through the island, and a wide assortment of stores and restaurants makes living here in Bald Head Island condos all you could hope for.

Tennis players will love the four soft-surface tennis courts on Bald Head Island. The clubhouse  has exercise rooms, locker rooms, and a resort style swimming pool. There is also a second swimming facility at the Shoals Club that has a lap pool and kiddie pool.

The 10-acre harbor and marina has boat slips from 30 to 100 feet in length. From the marina, homeowners have access to the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. At Bald Head Island you can enjoy both casual and fine dining. You can also purchase groceries from the fully stocked grocery store located on the island as well.

Give me a call at (800) 250-1902 and I’ll show you what we have available for Bald Head Island condos.

Enjoying the Arts in NC

November 8th, 2011

Holden Beach condosIf you are a person who enjoys culture, you will find plenty of it around the Coastal Carolinas. In addition to fine art and symphonies, Wilmington is home to some wonderful theater, all within the splendor of the south. No matter what your tastes, there is bound to be something to suit you in this charming, southern city. Theatre, musicals, plays are all within a short drive to your Holden Beach condos. Living on the Brunswick Island in Holden Beach condos puts you halfway between the action of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Wilmington, NC.

The 17th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival takes place from Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 through Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 in Wilmington, NC. There will be a screening of over 100 independent and international films including documentaries, features and shorts. The festival draws visitors from around the world for a creative exploration of the art form. Wilmington is one of the leading film production locations in the country and home to EUE Screen Gems Studios. Official headquarters will be The Ticketbox, a central location for tickets, passes, info and panel discussions. Screenings will be at Thalian Hall, Jengo’s Playhouse, The Soapbox and other venues around town. Call 910-343-5995 for more information.

Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet is held on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. Location is Brunswick Community College, Odell Williamson Auditorium. Price: $18.00 adults, $12.00 children 12 and under. Call 910-755-7416 for further information.

Blue Heron Gallery Christmas Open House is Friday, Nov. 25, 2011 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Refreshments, discounts, door prizes, American Craft Gift Gallery will be available. Located at 1780-10A Chandlers Lane, Sunset Beach, NC.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Events!

October 31st, 2011

Here are a couple events you won’t want to miss that are taking place near NC private golf communities. Take some time from the greens to enjoy these seasonal events.

NC private golf communitiesThe Cape Fear Kite Festival is being held from Friday, November 4 through Sunday, November 6, 2011. Come watch as they paint the Cape Fear Sky! Kite flyers from all over will be joining together on Wrightsville Beach, in front of Shell Island Resort. They will fill the sky with color from countless kites of unbelievable sizes and styles! November on the Carolina Coast usually provides wonderful weather and a good breeze to keep everything flying, but be sure to bring a jacket, as it can be chilly in the mornings! Come experience a magical weekend and a sky full of colorful kites. This is definitely an event for all ages.

NC private golf communitiesThe 13th Annual Carolina Sports Medicine Battleship North Carolina Half Marathon and Bay Six Battleship 5K takes place Sunday, Nov. 6th beginning at 8:00 a.m. It is a beautiful and challenging USATF certified (NC-05061-PH) half marathon that starts and finishes at the Battleship North Carolina across the river from downtown Wilmington, NC. The course crosses two bridges over the Cape Fear River, goes through historic downtown Wilmington, tours beautiful Greenfield Lake, and returns to the Battleship via the Memorial Bridge. Entries will be limited to 1,750 runners in the Half Marathon and 500 in the 5K. The course is challenging but has produced 8 State Records in our 12 year history!

If you’re interested in information on NC private golf communities at Mary Ann Bechtel Real Estate we’d be delighted to  help you out.

Getting To Know Your Neighbors

October 24th, 2011

NC coastal communitiesSo you just moved into a new home in one of our NC coastal communities. Congratulations! Having the move itself behind you is surely a huge relief! Now it’s time to begin to explore the area, make friends and get to know your neighbors. Following are some simple ways to initiate contact with neighbors and start building new friendships.

If you have a housewarming party and invite family and friends to check out your new home consider inviting a few of your neighbors over as well. This is a great way to engage in conversation and build relationships with your neighbors.

As you are out walking in your neighborhood, smiling and saying hello is a natural extension of yourself and is a great way to initiate conversation with your neighbors.

Most NC coastal communities will post events on a central bulletin board, near the mailboxes, at the clubhouse or even through a social media platform such as Facebook. Whether a pool party, BBQ, community clean-up, community association meeting, or holiday party, it is important to attend these events as they serve as an incubator for socialization and developing friendships.

If you notice a neighbor outside with children, take a few minutes to go over and introduce yourself and your children to them. Suggest a day and time for a play date. Not only does this provide an opportunity for your children to make new friends, it allows for adult interaction while they play.

You’ll find the majority of people living in NC coastal communities are happy, friendly folks who would love to meet you.

Pet Friendly Retirement Communities

October 17th, 2011

NC retirement communitiesMost NC retirement communities consider themselves to be pet friendly communities. This means that you can have pets visiting or living with you. Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions on the pet you own. For example, you may not be allowed to own certain breeds that have reputations for being violent or dogs weighing over a certain weight or a limit on the number of pets you have. Your pet friendly NC retirement communities have Association Documents that will have any of their restrictions listed.

The pet friendly NC retirement communities you choose may have a certain area that is designated as a pet park. There may also be restrictions on where you can walk your pet. NC retirement communitiesBe sure to carry all the paraphernalia needed to clean up after you pet. It’s always a good idea to not allow your pet to walk on other people’s lawns.

It really is not uncommon to see pets in retirement communities. Ask those around you in the community where you plan to retire. They will tell you what a delight it is to have a pet companion in their lives.

The North Carolina Festival by the Sea takes place October 29 and 30, 2011. The Holden Beach Merchants Association hosts this very popular 2 day event. It  kicks off with a parade down the Holden Beach causeway. Arts and Crafts vendors are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. The North Carolina Festival by the Sea is a free event with plenty of free parking.

This Could Be Your Forever Home

October 12th, 2011

NC coastal gated communitiesWhen it comes to NC coastal gated communities you have to visit Thistle Golf Club & Estates in Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

This low-density gated country club community combines a 27-hole championship golf course and a full complement of private recreational amenities with an exclusive selection of estate homes, golf cottages and ready-to-build home sites for sale in the South Brunswick Isles area of coastal North Carolina. 

Minutes away from the ocean and just up the road from Calabash, North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, Thistle Golf Club & Estates is the ideal community for building your dream home on the Carolina coast. Thoughtfully positioned to maximize privacy and enjoyment of the surrounding natural environment, all lots feature unobstructed golf course and lake views and no parcel backs up to any other. The master plan includes a total of 145 private lots, an elegant Scottish-style clubhouse, nature preserves, 60 acres of spring-fed lakes and a community recreation center with a tennis court and private swimming pool.

The Sunset Beach area blends the charm of an old-fashioned Carolina beach destination with easy access to the world-class attractions of the North Carolina coastline and South Carolina’s Grand Strand.

We’re sure you’ll see why Thistle Golf Club & Estates stands out from among all the other NC coastal gated communities as someplace you would want to call home.