What You Need to Know About HOAs

Whether you're looking at Topsail Island real estate or anywhere else in the country, you'll encounter HOAs in some communities. Homeowners association (HOA) fees serve to bring structure, cohesiveness and a standard to a neighborhood. By definition homeowners associations are formed by communities with single-family homes or multiple-unit buildings, such as condominiums. As the name implies, the HOA is comprised of, and run by, the community's residents. Membership in an HOA is usually a requirement to buy a home within the community. An HOA is typically established to make and enforce rules regarding the properties within the jurisdiction. While the HOA will at times spare the homeowner from some responsibilities, it can also come with some homeowner obligations. Before you buy a home that makes you part of an HOA, here’s what you need to know so you can ask yourself if it's the right fit for you and your family.

HOA FEES

First things first: how much? You'll want to know right away what the HOA fees are and how much you're going to have to pay each month. The number and size of the development’s amenities affect rates. For example, a development that’s guarded by a gate, and has a clubhouse and golf club is likely to levy higher fees than one that offers minimal security and only a modest common area. Fees can differ even within a development, due to variations in square footage, location, and orientation, all of which can affect how much upkeep the property will require. Most multiple listing services (MLSs) include HOA fees in the property listing so be sure to look for that in the property description and confirm it with your agent. Just because it may not be listed doesn't mean there isn't one, so be sure to ask if that home or community has an HOA.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Look at what is included (and not included) that will affect your household finances. Will you have to pay for garbage pickup, for example? Are utilities included? Which ones? What about cable and/or internet service? Keep in mind you’ll pay for perks, such as recreational facilities, whether you use them or not. Find out the hours for amenities, such as pools and tennis courts, to determine if they’ll work with your schedule. If you’d think you'll want to share these facilities with friends or family, check the rules and fees that pertain to guest use. Line up the fees—and their inclusions and exclusions—against those of other developments in the area, especially those that are already on your shortlist.

EXTRA COSTS

An HOA may adopt one of several approaches to financial management. These choices especially affect how it funds unexpected expenses. Some associations prefer a large cash reserve on hand to meet maintenance, legal, or management obligations as they arise. Others have lower fees and rely on special assessments—funds levied outside of HOA fees­­­­­­­­—for repairs and maintenance. Here's how the assessment route works: When a major expense, such as replacing a roof or elevator, comes up—and the HOA’s reserves lack the funds to pay for it—the association may charge each homeowner a special assessment. These levies can run into thousands of dollars. 

COVENANTS & RESTRICTIONS

Since the rules and regulations of any particular HOA may be unique, don’t rely on second-hand information or past experience at other developments to learn what an HOA’s rules and covenants are. And think hard about whether you’ll be able to live with them. If you can’t find the CC&Rs online, at the HOA’s website, ask your real estate agent to acquire them for you or obtain them through contacting the HOA directly. You could find you’re restricted in more ways than you might assume. In addition to governing door color and the like, CC&Rs may limit how tall your grass can grow, whether you can plant or remove trees, which types of vehicles you can park on the street or in your driveway (bans on parking RVs are not uncommon, for example), how high fences can be, and whether you can rent out your property—just to name a few.

WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD

When contemplating a property purchase in a planned development, you'll of course factor the impact of its HOA dues into your overall finances. So, too, will prospective mortgage lenders. As they do with property taxes (which, by the way, are not included in HOA fees at most developments), banks will consider your monthly HOA fees when deciding how large a mortgage you’ll be able to afford. As a result, you may wrestle with vexing tradeoffs as you decide among properties. Higher HOA fees could leave you with a smaller approved amount to spend on your house compared with choosing an alternative property with low or no fees.

HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS FAQS

Living in a planned development—and being governed in part by the rules of an HOA—can be a mixed blessing. It offers the prospect of exchanging some control over your home for the reduced responsibilities of maintaining it, and for the benefit of enjoying shared amenities and security. It can, however, also trade the diverse look of a typical neighborhood for a more uniform appearance, albeit one with a lower chance of a neighbor's decorating taste or sloppy maintenance habits becoming a problem for you. It's always best to enlist the help of a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the area's HOAs and how they compare. 

If you're looking at Topsail Island real estate, Century 21 Action's professional agents are here to help and would be happy to give you more information on our local Topsail communities' HOAs.

Moving, whether across town or out of state, can be stressful and overwhelming. Knowing some important questions to ask can help to alleviate your concerns and stress level as you deal with all of the details involved in moving.

Before you begin looking for a moving company make sure you know what you are looking for based on your needs and wants for a successful move. Do you already know the dates of your move and can your dates be flexible or are they set in stone? Do you need the movers to pack for you or is this something you prefer and have the time to do yourself. What items would you prefer to move yourself and what is your plan for doing so. Do you need to find childcare for the time that the movers will be in your house so you can assist with answering questions and providing directions. These are just a few of the questions you may need the answers to before you begin calling different moving companies.

When picking a moving company make sure you research and interview several companies to help ensure you have found a moving company that fits your needs and wants.

Some of the important questions to ask begin with knowing if your move is an intrastate move or an interstate move. Some moving companies only provide local service, while others specialize in long distance, interstate moves.

Now onto some of the questions you want to ask as you research and decide what moving company is best suited to meet your needs.

1.       Does the company have a registration number. For companies that only provide service within one state, they may not have a registration number. A moving company’s identification numbers are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and information can be found at their website  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (dot.gov)

2.       It is always good to ask the company to provide an estimated cost for the move and inquire about any additional fees that you may be required to pay and what the fees cover.

3.       Does the moving company have movers on staff or do they use subcontractors.

4.       Does the moving company offer insurance? You can also check with your current insurance company that provides your home or car insurance to see if moving is included in your current plan or can be added for a specific time to ensure your prized possessions are insured during your move.

5.       Does the moving company provide packing or storage services? If you are strapped for time or just don’t want to deal with packing, will the moving company provide this service. Storage service may be needed if you are moving to a home that will not be ready for several days after you arrive in town or other delays, planned or unplanned.

6.       How does the company handle complaints and claims should an issue arise. No one wants an unplanned event while moving, but it is good to know up front, just in case the unwanted happens.

7.       Can the company provide referrals and recommendations for you to review.

Whether you are moving across town or across the country, these questions are a good starting point in helping you find a moving company that meets your needs.  We are also available to provide some local recommendations for movers; we tend to see a lot of them.  Let us know how we can help and; Welcome Home.

10 of the Best Benefits of Retiring to Topsail, NC

Have you ever wondered if retiring to Topsail Island, North Carolina might be the place for you? You're not alone. There are plenty of reasons people choose to relocate here, but today we're focusing on it from a retirement perspective. Here are 10 of the best benefits of retiring to this 26-mile barrier island off the NC coast. It's certainly not a comprehensive list, so we'd love to know what you would add to it. Let us in know in the comment section below!

1. Lower Than Average Cost of Living

North Carolina has a lower cost of living than the national average. Housing, utilities, and transportation costs all fall below the national average while health care is one of the few categories that comes in slightly above the national average. Overall, the cost of living in North Carolina ranks below the national average anywhere from 1 to 10 points, depending on the category. You can view the chart that compares North Carolina's average cost of living with the national average here.

2. Great Tax Breaks for Seniors

In North Carolina, there is no tax on Social Security Income, income taxes have been lowered with a flat rate (and that rate has been decreasing), there is no State Estate Tax, and a there is a low corporate income tax. Retiring in North Carolina brings tax benefits, which means that the state is considered pro-business, with a great outlook on jobs for seniors looking to start their own business or begin a second career. (Source)

3. Barrier Island Beauty

What's not to love about living on a barrier island where residents are perfectly nestled in between the ocean and the sound—each with a beauty all its own? Barrier islands contain some of the most diverse and unique coastal life from the waters to the shorelines and everything in between. Think of how many ways you can explore and how much you can learn about the coastal ecosystems. Conveniently located near to the mainland of North Carolina which also contain the bigger urban areas including Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC—you're always close to city life and off-island opportunities and experiences.

4. Laidback Lifestyle

Island life and beach living combine into one beautiful way of life here. There's not too much hustle and bustle in day-to-day life, except for the peak of the summer beach vacation season. Things do get a little busier, traffic gets a little heavier, and the island teems with visitors and vacationers traveling to and fro over the bridges and onto this little piece of paradise that many are lucky enough to call home all year long. But most of the year you'll find that Topsail Island is a little more laidback than most places and certainly when compared to the bigger, busier beach destinations on the East Coast. It's very different here!

5. Southern Hospitality

You are in the south now, so you can expect a good dose of southern hospitality on the island and off. Whether it's with the interactions with your neighbors, in your frequenting of the local businesses, or just with passersby on the beach, you'll find warm smiles and friendly faces that make your days better. You'll feel a sense of belonging and community pretty quickly making you feel right at home. You might want to get used to saying "y'all" in the meantime. Oh and one more thing, remember it's pronounced "Topsul" not "Topsail".

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6. Abundance of Activities & Things To Do for All Ages

There is so much to do here no matter what your age or interests, are so whether it's just you and your loved one or your entire family is coming to visit, you will find plenty of things to do for everyone to enjoy. From on-the-water activities and outdoor adventures to beachcombing and sunbathing, to sports fishing, pier fishing and surf fishing—and oh so much more—there are a lot of fun ways to fill your days. 

7. Family Friendly

Topsail Island is known for its family-friendly beaches, atmosphere and attitude. There is a focus on families since they are the foundation of our neighborhoods and communities all along the island. Get to know your neighbors and the community at large better and you'll see what we mean. Your family will definitely want to come and visit you when you make the move to Topsail Island, so no worries there!

8. Strong Community

If there's one thing you should know about our community, it's that we're Topsail Strong. This rings true over the years as we meet challenges and accomplish goals that make Topsail Island, its communities, and its people better than ever. There is a tight-knit community that is woven together through its experiences over time and in all seasons. You'll recognize the sense of pride and protectiveness of this place that many call home, and why many are loyal to maintaining and protecting all it has to offer. You can be part of that by supporting a local cause, volunteering in the community, or just by being a good neighbor and conscientious resident. 

9. Four Seasons

North Carolina is making headlines as an up-and-coming place to retire, even earning some retirees moving here the nickname “halfbacks” as retirees from Florida move halfway back home to the mid-Atlantic and mid-South states. Why? When it comes to weather, North Carolina has the best of both worlds. The state has a moderate climate while still offering four distinct seasons. Summers on the beaches, comfortable winters, breathtaking views in the fall, and beautiful blooms in the spring—Topsail, North Carolina has it all. The moderate temperatures mean that the outdoors can be enjoyed year-round, keeping retirees active and engaged. 

10. Best Little Beach Town in the USA

Last but certainly not least, you shouldn't just believe what we say. Discover it for yourself! You can also read what others have to say about Topsail Island and its beach communities that include North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. This collective area of Topsail Island was recently named as the Best Little Beach Town in the country. Why? For many of the above-mentioned reasons and more. Check out this news article to read more about it. 

7 Secrets of the Most Successful Vacation Rentals

If you are the owner of Topsail, NC real estate, or hope to be soon, and have decided that your beach house would make a great vacation rental, then this blog post is definitely for you. Today we're talking about what makes a vacation rental rise above the rest in a very competitive market. Here are some of the secrets of successful vacation rentals and what you can do to level up your Topsail beach house to its fullest rental potential. Century 21 Action Topsail Real Estate would be honored to help you find the perfect Vacation Rental Property.  Contact us today! 

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1. A Business Not a Hobby

Successful vacation rental owners think of their rental as a business endeavor and not just a hobby. That translates to having a marketing plan, being professional and consistent, meeting financial goals, and having a reliable booking system in place. If that feels like a lot for you to manage on your own, that's where an experienced local property management company can step in and help lighten the load until you are ready to take on the day to day responsibilities yourself.  It's best to think about your rental as it's own little resort and make decisions from that perspective.  If you were the General Manager of a Resort, how would you manage it?  If you the guest of the Resort, what are your expectations?

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2. Responsive Communication

Communicating with your vacation rental clients clearly and in a timely manner is crucial to managing a successful rental. In this technological age, we are a society that has grown accustomed to instant gratification. That means potential guests expect vacation rental inquiries and bookings to be expedient. Otherwise, they'll quickly move on to the next vacation rental site or booking. Responsive communication in all areas of the vacation rental process—from start to finish—is vital.  Developing an automated system for delivering information to your guests can be a real time saver and demonstrate outstanding service (check-in/out information, trash days, things to do, property instructions, etc.)

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3. Guests Feel Like They Matter

Guest satisfaction is a huge factor in the success of your vacation rental. Repeat business and positive reviews are going to make your rental stand out among the vacation rental crowd of competition. Valuing your guests and understanding their needs and wants is important, as is being responsive when things may not go as smoothly as you'd like. Vacation rental guests are part of your rental's future legacy, so treat them as such.  Guests are also a great source of suggestions for enhancements to your property.

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4. Well-Marketed & Well-Managed

Making your vacation rental visible to your potential guests is the first step in attracting bookings, so that's why it is really important that you have a professional marketing system in place. A well-marketed vacation rental is going to have the advantage in a very competitive market. A well-managed vacation rental should already include this—so if your property management company doesn't, it's time to make a change.  Other marketing channels include Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, etc.

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5. Most Wanted Vacation Rental Amenities

Amenities matter! Part of the draw of one vacation rental over another is the amenities that are offered. Vacation rental amenities are part of what your guests are searching for when selecting a rental that best suits their needs and wants. You definitely want to make sure that your amenities are highlighted in your vacation rental listing with photographs or video and clearly noted. Pools, fireplaces, outdoor decks and patios, spa tubs, outdoor showers, and pet-friendly accommodations are some of the many popular amenities that are highly sought after.  Allowing Pets, even with a pet fee, can result in 5-8 extra bookings per year.

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6. Luxuries of a Vacation Plus the Comforts of Home

One of the driving reasons that travelers opt for a vacation rental over a hotel/motel stay is for the added comforts of home. Let's face it, it's really nice to have a vacation rental kitchen for your convenience, more room and privacy for all the members of your family, and a stay that is more customized and personalized to what you really want on a vacation. It's those little touches that mean a lot, so making your vacation rental feel both luxurious and like home is the perfect balance that will have your guests wanting to come back year after year.  Make sure the kitchen is well stocked to provide that comfort of home, and with enough utensils, plates, glasses, etc. for at least 1.5 times the maximum occupancy.

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7. Leave a Lasting (Good) Impression

Your goal is to have your vacation rental guests feeling like they don't want to leave. Ever. In the very least, you want them coming back for more as a repeat renter—and booking their next year's vacation in your rental right away. It's also nice when their family and friends ask for rental recommendations that they immediately think of your vacation rental and its amenities. That means that the big things and the little things matter, so be sure that you're constantly looking at your rental from a guest's perspective and making necessary changes and improvements along the way to ensure that your rental stays competitive—and memorable.  Make replacements and repairs as quickly as possible.  Every year be sure to scope out your competition and make sure your property shines above most of them

These are just a few tips to make sure your vacation rental is one of the most successful.  Call the author for a deeper conversation about vacation rental advice.

Scott Erickson, author, is the Owner/Broker of Century 21 Action, Inc. and Founder of Sweet Dreams Linens and Rentals, Inc.  He recently sold the Rental Division of Century 21 Action and also Sweet Dreams Linens and Rentals in a separate sale.  In these capacities, he has helped 100,000's of guests vacation on Topsail Island in 1000's of vacation homes he either managed or serviced.  Scott is considered a leading expert nationally with vacation rental property success and is a seminar speaker, writer, and consultant for the vacation rental industry.

How to Decide if Renting or Buying a Home is Best for You

Do you have an emergency fund?

Having an emergency fund of 3-6 months of your expenses saved in advance is optimal. If you lost your job today, could you pay your current bills? What if a mortgage payment was added to that? That's your goal here. Some experts recommend that you get a mortgage payment that’s no more than 25% of your take-home pay. With a mortgage you can afford, you’ll have less stress and more room in your budget. 

Do you have enough cash for a down payment?

A 20% down payment when buying a house is ideal, and you can avoid having to pay PMI insurance if you put that percentage down. Saving at least 10% down is the recommended minimum for the average loan customer, though there are some other options depending on your circumstances. 

2. IS YOUR JOB STABLE?

How long have you worked there?

If you've started a brand new job, you want to give yourself a few months to settle in and make sure it's the right fit for you before committing to any big financial commitments, such as buying a house.

Do you expect to have longevity and stability?

You also want to feel secure and settled in your current position with your current company. Sure things can change, but overall do you see yourself staying employed there in the long run? Do your coworkers have longevity with the company or is there a high turnover rate? It helps to know the answers to these questions before making any big financial decisions.

Do you make enough in your current position?

As mentioned earlier, it's best to spend conservatively. If you do decide to go with a mortgage, make sure the payments are comfortably within your spending range. It's recommend that you keep your payments to no more than 25% of your take-home pay on a 15-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage (to avoid paying on interest). 

3. HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO LIVE IN THE AREA?

Are you planning on staying in the location for at least 3 years?

Beyond the financial commitments of buying a home, you're also making a commitment to staying in one area for an extended period of time. If you're not in love with where you're living and working right now, then you probably wouldn't want to purchase a home there. Renting is a great option that gives you flexibility until you know where you want to be long term.

4. ARE YOU READY FOR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOME OWNERSHIP?

Are you able to manage the upkeep that a home requires?

With renting, you call the landlord when maintenance problems arise. With home ownership, you either fix it yourself or you pay someone to fix it. Then there's the routine maintenance that a home requires just to keep it ship-shape such as mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges that will be your responsibility. 

Have you considered the extra costs including taxes, insurance, and homeowner association fees?

The financial aspects of home ownership don't end when you make the downpayment and commit to a mortgage payment each month. There are extra fees that you'll be paying beyond just those basics. Closing costs, taxes, insurance and homeowner association fees among them. Plus you're likely to have unexpected surprise costs along the way. It's really important to know as much of this information as you can before you buy, so you are prepared and ready.

Coastal Property Q and A: What You Need to Know

Simple and Stylish Ways to Beautify Your Beach House

Trends come and go but true style is timeless. Today we're taking a look at the 2020 home design and decor trends in order to help you to incorporate them into your beach house without breaking the bank or being "too trendy" (and out of date in a few short years). Here are some simple and beautiful ways to take this year's home trends and incorporate them into your Topsail Island beach home. Here's how to do it!

Use the "Color of the Year" Wisely

Every year has its "color of the year" by Pantone and other big names in paint and interior décor. While this year's color happens to go wonderfully with a beach-style theme, you may not want to invest your time or money in changing your entire home's color to suit this trend. Instead, strategically use popular colors in less expensive and time consuming ways in your home: throw pillow, rugs, wall décor, and the like. That way, you can stay trendy but still be able to easily change and modify your home's look without much time or expense.

Stay Neutral

Gray has been a huge tonal trend for a few years now. While experts say that this trend is waning, it's still going to be seen in homes for years to come. With that being said, cooler grays are currently being replaced by warmer gray tones and other earthy neutrals. Earth tones like terracotta and beige, and lush colors like forest green and navy blue will be trendy choices for 2020. So before you repaint that wall, refinish those cabinets, or buy new furniture and accent pieces for your room, you may want to further explore the trends.

Minimal But Comfortable

Minimalism isn't going anywhere, but it is being paired with a more welcoming, cozy and comfortable approach. Clutter kills any room no matter what the current trend, but going too minimal and stark is not always the best for your home. Keeping the key pieces in your room that you love and serve a specific purpose, while also adding comfy and cozy elements that make you and your guests feel at home is the fine balance you're looking for this year. After all, it is a home so it should feel like one.

Au Naturel Design & Materials

Natural and clean materials like linen and rattan will be a big trend for 2020 and can easily be integrated into any room by way of accessories and décor like pillows, trays, curtains and more. Natural stone will still be a big trend in 2020, however, for elements like pavers, large and simple ones will replace ornate trends of the past. Composite decking is as always a popular choice for its longevity and low maintenance. If there's anyway you can add eco-friendly design materials into your home, you'll always be on trend and in style.

The Merging of Indoor/Outdoor

Bringing outdoor elements inside and taking indoor elements outside creates a seamless merging of the natural environment and your home in a beautiful and stylish way. Whether it's an outdoor kitchen or outdoor living space, an indoor atrium or sunny plant-filled space, or an outdoor deck with fabulous views where you can take advantage of your home's tie to the natural world, these trends will continue for years to come. Find what best works for your home and its environment so the two work together to become one beautiful living space.

The Most Helpful Ways to Declutter Your Home

If you find yourself at home and looking to make the most of the space you are spending a great deal of time in, then this post is for you! Spring is the perfect time to get your house in order (literally and figuratively) by dedicating some time to decluttering and getting rid of the things that no longer provide value to you—but are taking up valuable space in your home. Here are some of the best tips for getting started on your at-home decluttering project. 

1. Have an uncluttered mindset.

Your thoughts determine your actions, so start by clearing your mind and focusing on removing the distractions in your head first. Visualize what you want your home to look like and start taking the steps to achieve that. Need some help getting started? Here are decluttering tips and tricks from the pros: How to declutter your home and your life. 

 

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2. Think like a professional home stager.

Speaking of professionals, why not try thinking of your home the way a professional home stager would if you were getting ready to sell. What would be removed? Changed? Sometimes stepping back and looking at your home through someone else's eyes can give you a fresh take on where to make changes. Here are some home staging strategies that will help you declutter.

 

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3. View your home from a visitor's perspective.

While we're talking about perspective, why not call up a family member or friend who has visited your home and ask them about their impression of what they see when they walk in to your home? Viewing your daily living space through someone else's perspective can help you see more clearly what could be changed for the better. Read this for more decluttering tips.

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4. Choose wisely what you bring into your home.

Last but certainly not least, decluttering is a process. It's not something you do and then it's done forever. Once you have decluttered your home in a way that best suits you and your family, make sure going forward that you make wise decisions on what new things will be brought into your home, and that everyone is on the same page about the expectations. These home maintenance tips can help you get started.

Sea Turtle Q&A: Answers To Your Most Burning Questions

 

Sea turtle nesting season will be back before we know it! It runs from mid-May through August here in

Topsail Island, North Carolina. How much do you REALLY know about sea turtles? Why not test your

knowledge by giving our Sea Turtle Trivia Q&A a try? Play along with your friends and family, so you

can have fun and learn all at the same time. It's a great trivia game to play while on your Topsail beach

vacation or when you have guests staying at your Topsail beach house.

How many questions do you think you'll get right? There's only one way to find out. Ready, set, go!

(Take your time, no pressure—this isn't a timed test.) Score your answers below and see if you're a

Sea Turtle Expert or if you're a novice who has a little more to learn. Let us know how you did.

 

1. What are the three main differences that distinguish sea turtles from land turtles? 

Sea turtles have paddle-like flippers, cannot fully retract into their shells, and spend most of their time in the water (except when nesting). A land turtle is known as a tortoise. Both reptiles (turtles and the tortoise) are from the same family (chelonians), however, their body features distinguish the differences between them, and the most distinct part of their body is their shell and their feet. The tortoises have short and strong feet with their leg bend compare to sea turtles, also most of the turtles shells is much flatter than tortoise. Check out more interesting differences between the two here. 

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2. How many sea turtles species are there worldwide? 

Did you know that sea turtles have been living on planet Earth since the time of the dinosaurs? There are seven different species of sea turtles, six of which—green, hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, leatherback, loggerhead, and the olive ridley—can be found throughout the ocean, in both warm and cool waters. The seventh species, the flatback, lives only in Australia. North Carolina plays host to 5 of the 7 sea turtle species! Most common are the green sea turtle, loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley followed by the leatherback and hawksbill. All species are listed as endangered or threatened and are therefore protected under the Endangered Species Act. You can read more about each sea turtle species and their conservation here.

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3. What is the largest sea turtle species? What is the smallest? 

The largest of all sea turtles, and one of the largest reptiles on earth, the leatherback turtle ranges in size from 4-8 feet in length (1.2 - 2.4 meters) and weighs between 500-2,000 pounds (225 - 900 kg). The average adult measures in between 5-6 feet (1.5 - 1.8 m) and weighs 600-800 pounds (270 - 360 kg).That's a lot of sea turtle! The smallest sea turtle is the Kemp's ridley. These are the smallest of the seven sea turtle species, weighing between 75-100 pounds (35 - 45 kg) and measuring approximately 2 feet (.6 m) in length. 

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4. Which sea turtle species is the most endangered? 

The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is the most endangered sea turtle in the ocean: It’s classified as critically endangered throughout its entire range. The major threats facing these incredible animals today are: bycatch in fisheries, climate change, and pollution. However, the Kemp’s ridley population took a serious blow between 1947 and 1968, when extensive harvesting of their eggs devastated their numbers. People would wait for nesting season and then take literal truck-loads of eggs to be sold in Mexico and Texas as food. In many places at that time, and still some today, the eggs are considered a delicacy. Due to their small range they all tend to nest in relatively close proximity which means it is easy to harvest a vast majority of a whole breeding seasons worth of eggs. They also face major threat from shrimp fishing nets, and although Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) are now a legal requirement when fishing with these nets—many juveniles and adults are caught anyway.It is estimated that in 1947 there were 120,000 nests per season, then over the next 38 years to 1985 the Kemp’s Ridley population fell by approximately 99.4%…to a mere 702 nests per season in 1985. Although such a devastating decline could’ve spelled extinction for the turtle, there has been a slight recovery. This can be attributed to the complete protection of the turtles and their eggs and nests in Mexico, the introduction and legal requirement for net fishermen to use TEDs, and the ever-increasing anti-pollution efforts globally. You can read more about these little cuties here.

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5. Sea turtles have two parts to their shell (the upper and lower portions). Do you know the name for each?

The upper dorsal part of the shell is called the carapace; the lower ventral part of the shell is called the plastron. Sea turtles are reptiles and a part of the Order Testudines which includes all turtles and tortoises. The most distinctive trait of this group is the protective shell. Like all reptiles, turtles have lungs and scaled skin. The shell is made up of two main parts: the ribs and backbone, and the dermal plates. The ribs and backbone are fused to the dermal plates on the top shell. The top shell is referred to as the carapace. The lower shell is called the plastron. These two bony parts are connected on the sides by cartilage. A layer of keratin (the same substance as your finger nails) covers both shells. The only species of sea turtle without this type of shell is the leatherback. Their shell is cartilaginous (like your ears and nose). The shape and characteristics of the shell are variable between different members of the Order Testudines. 

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6. What do you call a group of eggs that sea turtles lay at one time? 

 A group of sea turtle eggs is called a clutch. When the female sea turtle has finished digging the egg chamber, she begins to lay eggs. Two or three eggs drop out at a time, with mucus being secreted throughout egg-laying. The average size of a clutch ranges from about 80 to 120 eggs, depending on the species. Because the eggs are flexible, they do not break as they fall into the chamber. This flexibility also allows both the female and the nest to hold more eggs. Nesting sea turtles appear to shed tears, but the turtle is just secreting salt that accumulates in her body. Many people believe that while laying her eggs a sea turtles goes into a trance from which she can not be disturbed. You can read more about sea turtle egg laying and nesting behavior here.

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7. What poses one of the most serious threats to hatchling sea turtles? 

(Hint: it's not a predator; though those are threats, too.) 

Artificial light. One of the greatest threats to the survival of hatchlings is artificial lighting. When a sea turtle hatches, its instincts push it to move towards the brightest light in view, which naturally would be the sun or the moon, leading them toward the ocean horizon and into their new ecosystem. However, due to the continual expansion of cities, construction of condos and hotels on the coastlines has grown exponentially and therefore has increased the amount of artificial light. Artificial light sources can easily lead sea turtles astray and off course. Strays have an increased chance of being caught by predators or led to unsafe territory like parking lots and roads.

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8. What are natural "tortoise shell" jewelry and accessories made from? 

Turtleshell (also sometimes incorrectly called “tortoiseshell”), comes from the shell of the hawksbill sea turtle and is made of keratin. It can be confused for items that look similar, including cow bone or horn, plastic, or coconut shell. Sadly, the beauty of the hawksbill sea turtle's shell has garnered unwanted attention. For years this species has been sought after and killed so the beautiful shell with its unique markings can be used in jewelry, eye glass frames, hair accessories and the like. When in doubt, purchase something that you can be sure is not turtleshell for obvious reasons. More on how to identify if it's really made from turtle shells and why it's too rare to wear here.

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9. True or False: Sea turtles return to the same nesting beach from which they hatched. 

Tis' true. That's pretty amazing, isn't it? What a journey! Mature females return every 1 to 3 years to beaches near where they were born, coming ashore to nest in the protective cover of night. A hole close to 1 ½ feet deep will be excavated using rear flippers. Each female will then deposit roughly 100 eggs per clutch. These eggs will incubate for 60 days before hatching. According to the National Park Service, sex of offspring is determined by sand temperature with warmer temperatures producing females and cooler temperatures males. Once incubation is complete, hatchlings will emerge from their shells, boil out of the nest and rush to the surf using lunar light cues. It is estimated, sadly, that only one in 1,000 to 10,000 hatchlings survive to maturity, which varies among sea turtle species (Kemp’s ridley 10 years; leatherback 15 years; Green, loggerhead and hawksbill 20 to 50 years). Once a female turtle reaches maturity she will migrate back to the beach of her birth to begin the cycle once more. Read more about the elusive life cycle of sea turtles here. 

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10. True or False: Sea turtles do not need to come up to the ocean's surface for air. 

False. As sea turtles are air breathing reptiles, they need to surface to breathe. Sea turtles can hold their breath for several hours, depending upon the level of activity. A resting or sleeping turtle can remain underwater for 4-7 hours. Recent research has shown that some turtles can even hibernate in the sea for several months! However, a stressed turtle, entangled in fishing gear for instance, quickly uses up oxygen stored within its body and may drown within minutes. Sea turtles can drown if underwater too long. The length of time they can stay underwater depends on the type of species, as well as environmental and physiological factors. Read more frequently asked questions (and answers) about sea turtles to increase your turtle trivia to expert level. 

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Well, how did you do? Check out our Sea Turtle Trivia scoring scale below!

 

10 correct: 100% 

You are a sea turtle expert. Bravo, expert level is impressive! Be sure to share your knowledge with others.

9 correct: 90% 

You are a sea turtle aficionado. Not too shabby! Hey, we all make mistakes once in awhile. You did really well overall.

8 correct: 80% 

You're a sea turtle enthusiast. That's a good place to start! You just need to brush up on your skills a bit. Keep reading more about sea turtles and expanding your knowledge.

7  or less correct: 70% or below

You're a sea turtle novice. That's okay! Study up on your sea turtle trivia here and you'll be dazzling others with your sea turtle expertise in no time.

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What You Can Do To Help Local NC Sea Turtles

If you live or vacation on Topsail Island, be sure to check out the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital to get up close and personal with some of our favorite flippered friends!

Before we go, here are some other things you can do to help protect our local sea turtles:

• Cover up or fill in any holes you dig in the sand to avoid hatchlings getting stuck in them.

• If you stumble upon a nest, don't disturb it. Contact the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Center so the nest can be marked and monitored.

• Properly discard of plastic bag, six-pack plastic rings, and netting that can be fatal to sea turtles.

• Turn off all outside artificial lighting whenever possible during your stay at your Topsail beach house

 

Well, there you have it. We hope you have learned a thing or two about sea turtles and are willing to share your new found knowledge with your family and friends. Give them a chance to answer the questions and see how they do. Thanks for playing along!