You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!
Here’s what experts have to say about what lies ahead for inventory, mortgage rates, and home prices. Let's connect so you know what to expect in the housing market for the rest of the year.
Sources Used for data:
https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-trends/q3-will-be-challenging
https://www.mba.org/news-and-research/newsroom/news/2023/06/14/fomc-commentary-from-mbas-mike-fratantoni
If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR), or Vacation Rental (VR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel or resort, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years.
While a short-term rental can be a tempting idea, you may find the reality of being responsible for one difficult to take on. Having managed 100's of short term rentals for several decades myself; I can assure you that there is more to it than a lot of beginners realize. Here are some of the challenges you could face if you rent out your house instead of selling it.
Successfully managing your house as a short-term rental takes a lot of time and effort. You’ll have to juggle tasks like dealing with reservations, organizing check-ins, and tackling cleaning, landscape, and maintenance duties. Any one of those can feel demanding, but all together it’s a lot to handle.
Short-term rentals experience high turnover rates, as new guests check in and out frequently. This home traffic can lead to increased wear and tear on your property—meaning you may need to make more frequent repairs or replace your furniture, fixtures, and appliances more often.
Think through your ability to make that level of commitment, especially if you plan to use a platform that advertises your rental listing. Most of them have specific requirements hosts must meet. An article from Bankrate explains:
"Managing a rental property can be time-consuming and challenging. Are you handy and able to make some repairs yourself? If not, do you have a network of affordable contractors you can reach out to in a pinch? Consider whether you want to take on the added responsibility of being a landlord, which means screening tenants and fielding issues, among other responsibilities, or paying for a third party to take care of things instead."
There’s a lot to consider before taking the leap and converting your house into a short-term rental. If you aren’t ready for the work it takes, it could be wise to sell instead or at least hire a professional, licensed Manager.
As the short-term rental industry continues to grow, regulations have increased. Legal restrictions commonly include vacation rentals in a particular neighborhoods. HOA rules and restrictions may not allow them.
Many cities, counties and state also require homeowners to collect, account for, and submit sales and use taxes, accomodation taxes, or other taxes/fees when renting out their properties. Nick Del Pego, CEO at Deckard Technologies, explains:
“Renting short-term rentals is considered a business by most local governments, and owners must comply with specific regulations and business tax rules established in their local communities.”
It is important to thoroughly check whether short-term rentals are regulated or prohibited by the local government and your homeowners association (HOA) before even considering renting out your home.
A short term rental also means completing furnishing and outfitting the property down to the forks and spoons. It means carrying all of the utilities (including television and Internet services). And don't forget about departure cleaning after each stay and fresh linens for each new guest.
Converting your home into a short-term rental isn’t a decision you should make without doing your research. If I can help answer further questions about what it takes have a successful short-term rental, please reach out. If you decide selling your house is a better alternative, let’s connect today.
We really love the quick, concise material covered in this video by takemefishing.org. It gives you a helpful overview of what you need to know before starting your surf fishing adventure on Topsail Island (or anywhere).
Take a few minutes to watch this and get yourself familiar with what you need, when the best times to surf fish are, and what equipment you'll need to get started.
This video gives you 8 surf fishing tips to get you ready for the day and help you know what to expect. Surf fishing is a great activity for the whole family, and we really hope you try it during your next Topsail beach vacation.
In surf fishing there is minimal expense, no boat to drag around, easy access to good conditions, and plenty of fun and action. Every angler is different and may have specific preferences when embarking on a surf fishing endeavor, but there are some common surf fishing necessities that are generally used by anglers of all skill levels. Here's the short list.
Yes, you need an NC saltwater fishing license for surf fishing, so this is your first step. Once you have it, you're good to go! You can buy it locally at an outfitter like East Coast Sports, or you can purchase one online.
Get started with just a few surf fishing rigs, some natural saltwater bait, and a surf rod and reel combo. You can use lighter gear and shorter rods for smaller species or heavier gear and a longer rod for larger species.
Use natural baits like squid, shrimp, or mullet to start out with. They are effective and work well for several different species of fish. When it comes to surf fishing tackle, here are a few recommendations for you.
Saltwater tides and weather play a major role in determining the best times to surf fish. The optimal time to surf fish is when the tide is either rising or falling. During summer, try fishing in the early morning or late afternoon.
You want to keep your bait cool and your catches, too! Keep your baits out of the sun by placing them inside of a cooler or bait bucket. The beach sun can get really hot really fast, so don't let it ruin your bait or your catch.
Other helpful surf fishing items include a standard fishing kit, a cart to move everything in, rod holding spikes, and something to sit on. Sunscreen is a necessity, and polarized sunglasses will help you see what's in the water.
If you would like some bonus surf fishing tips and tricks, as well as some beautiful Topsail Island scenery, this video shows you some typical catch you might reel in on any given day.
Sometimes just watching someone else out there doing it will be enough to inspire confidence that you can get out there, too!
Don't forget that there are plenty of local experts you can chat with including the staff at Topsail bait and tackle shops, sports outfitters, and yes, the local anglers who are out there doing the same thing as you.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, strike up a conversation, or just sit back and observe for a little while.
Poplar Grove was purchased by James Foy, Jr. in 1795. By 1818, the family had begun growing peanuts based upon the skills of their family slaves bequeathed through marriage and last wills and testaments. Today, the restored 1850's Manor House reflects the architectural and engineering skills of artisan slaves, from the brick foundation to the plaster of Paris ceiling medallions. Immerse yourself in the living history of 19th century life on the plantation and learn while having fun.
Manor House tours occur throughout most of the year with days, times and availability dependent on the season. In addition to house tours, stable tours are offered during the Farmers Market season. Paranormal Ghost Tours happen on full moon and half moon nights from May through October. Candelight tours of the Manor House are also part of the December holiday season. Educational tours for school groups are available with opportunities for overnight experiences as well.
Explore this open-air market under the shade trees where local farmers provide fresh seasonal produce, meats and seafood, goat cheese, pickles, pastries and other baked goods, honey, eggs, peanut products along with a wide selection of unique arts and crafts including jewelry, scenic photography, birdhouses, fiber arts, pottery, beautiful baskets—plus plants, fresh cut flowers, NC wines, specialty foods and a whole lot more! Open Wednesdays from 8a.m. to 1p.m. from early April through the end of September.
The Stables at Poplar Grove is home to a variety of farm animals reflective of the 19th century including sheep, goats, pigs, hens, roosters, ducks, turkeys, horses and ponies. The wool from sheep and fur from other animals, such as rabbits, was used to create fabrics for necessities like clothes and blankets. During April through September (during Farmers Market season) the grounds are open and free to the public each Wednesday. The Stables at Poplar Grove is also a foster site for neglected and abused equines.
Each season brings its own unique feel to Poplar Grove Plantation. With the Herb & Garden Fair in the spring, Summer Harvest Festival, October Paranormal Tours, and the Merry Little Christmas Festival in December, these are only a few of the many special events and festivals you can experience during the year. Visit the Poplar Grove Plantation event page for all of the annual activities and happenings, then plan your visit.
For four weekends in October, Poplar Grove presents an evening to perchance be visited by the spirits of Poplar Grove. Haunts, or haints, of all ages from 1850 through the 20th century continue to hover in and around the Manor House, Tenant House, graveyard and grounds. There are stories of Foy family household haints to share, including a murderous crime of passion. Discover who these phantoms are, and why they’re still here.
The Abbey Nature Preserve, owned and privately maintained by Foxneck LLC, is dedicated to the memory of Margaret Abbey Foy Moore. Though not affiliated with Poplar Grove Foundation, the trails were once a part of the “old farm road” leading down to the Intracoastal Waterway frequented by the Foy family and their tenant farmers. High and dry trails wind down toward a mill pond. A short walk takes you on a return trip up the sandy road parallel to Scotts Hill Baptist Church. A longer walk takes you across the dam to double back through the woods along the outflow stream to return along the sandy run. A wooden walkway across the pond connects with walking trails on both sides to complete a loop across the dam, through the woods, across the bridge, and through the woods once again to join the main loop.
Generations of couples have been married at this treasured family home. On the National Register of Historic Places, a wedding at one of the North Carolina’s oldest peanut plantations is an opportunity to create your vision upon a blank canvas, whether you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, wedding and/or reception. With a stunning view of the Manor House and large oak trees, wedding ceremonies at Poplar Grove are sure to be an intimate occasion. Catering to couples who favor natural beauty, the grounds provide an amazing backdrop for your fall, winter, spring or summer wedding. Corporate events, parties, and other special gatherings can be held here too making a great venue for all occasions. Visit the Poplar Grove Plantation website for venue pricing, details and frequently asked questions.
Dolphins typically have a bulbous head and often a clearly-defined “beak,” or long nose that sticks out from their face. Porpoises, on the other hand, usually have a rounder face without the pronounced beak. If you can’t get a good look at the head, take a peek at the fin. Dolphins have curved dorsal fins, where porpoises have dorsal fins that are more triangular in shape. This is one of the quickest ways to tell them apart, especially if you spot one while out on the water. If you are able to see the entire animal, you can tell the two apart by their size and shape. Dolphins tend to have a sleeker, more streamlined body shape than porpoises. Dolphins are also often longer, averaging about 6 to 12 feet in length, where porpoises only reach a maximum 7 feet in length. If you get a really good look, examine its teeth. Dolphins’ teeth are cone-shaped, while porpoises’ teeth are spade-shaped. Although, if you’re close enough to see the specific shape of their teeth, you’re probably a little too close! If you’re still unsure about the difference between the two—the odds are probably in your favor that it's a dolphin since there are only 6 species of porpoises worldwide.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most of your visit to the USS North Carolina. It's time to start planning your battleship adventure!
Visiting the battleship for yourself is the best way to explore it. Explore 9 levels of the ship, including the mess decks, berthing areas, engine room, bridge, Combat Information Center (CIC), and much more. Feel free to play with the guns, relax in the mess decks, and even take a nap in a berth. See who can spot the Battleship’s resident alligator, Charlie, from the bow first. Since the battleship is a memorial, it's open 365 days a year including holidays so any day is a good day to visit. Plan your visit here.
There’s always something happening at the Battleship North Carolina. They have behind the scenes tours, in-depth programs of the inner workings of the ship, reenactments and fireworks just to name a few. Consider planning your own special event. Yes, you can rent the ship and/or Battleship Park for weddings, birthday parties, receptions, corporate meetings or any occasion. It's a unique venue with fabulous views of downtown Wilmington. Check out the special events here.
The Battleship North Carolina is a self guided tour. Follow the arrows and enjoy climbing ladders to explore up to 9 levels. The ship is huge and not air conditioned, so be prepared to savor her as the sailors did. Visitors spend about 2 hours touring, on average, but many visitors stay longer. It's up to you how long you want to explore. The ship is yours for the day! Boost your learning to the next level by taking a guided tour. Friends of the Battleship provide public guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays (subject to guide availability). All tours begin at 9a.m. and there are several types of tours to choose from depending on your interests. Learn more about guided tours here.
The Battleship North Carolina now has their archives and collections online for you to explore. Whether you're a history buff, a homeschool parent, a teacher, a veteran or family of a veteran—there are plenty of resources for you to explore including archives, photographs, artifacts and more. New records are continually added to the database so you'll want to check back often. You can explore the online archives here. (The battleship does not keep official military records. The US National Archives and Records Administration maintains all official military records. Military veterans or next-of-kin of a deceased veteran may order a copy of the records here.)
Topsail Island, North Carolina is known for its family-friendly beaches and kid-friendly atmosphere. Part of the reason for that is the number of playgrounds and parks on the 26-mile-long island that includes the towns of North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. Here are all the best Topsail parks and playgrounds for you and your family to enjoy—including the newly renovated Soundside Park pirate ship playground. No matter which Topsail property you choose, you're always close to at least one of these local parks. They're all pet-friendly parks, too, as long as you have your dog leashed (the Surf City Bark Park allows unleashed dogs; you can read more about that below).
911 S Topsail Drive
Park Amenities:
101 Broadway Avenue
Park Amenities:
517 Roland Avenue
Park Amenities:
201 Community Center Drive
Park Amenities:
624 S Anderson Blvd
Park Amenities: