Lead Paint Gingerbread and being grateful for real estate

I was sitting in my office looking at a blank blog post screen, thinking about what I could say about Downtown Wilmington Condos on December 23rd, 2009. I do have a closing at Tanyard Parish (216 S. Front St.) next week. I am truly grateful for that and thought that's what I should write about. How in this market, we adapt, we work hard and persevere and by golly people are still buying condos, downtown or otherwise...when my phone rings....

I answer and my smug 13 yr old says, "You better talk to Sophie." Sophie meanwhile is having painful sobs and saying something I couldn't really understand. When I got her to stop crying I understood that they used my antique rolling pin, the one that sits on top of the cabinets for some added kitsch to the farmhouse kitchen, that also happens to have old old old red paint on the handles. The kind of old red paint that splinters off when little hands roll out gingerbread. Jo thought it would be fine to just bake the cookies with the paint sprinkles in them, but Sophie thought for sure it would lower everyone's IQ and we would turn into a house of drooling idiots from lead paint poisoned cookies, (isn't there a disclosure for that??) Jo tried to pick out the paint, but Sophie protested, "There could be dust!"
"Mom, we can still eat them right?"
Umm, you shouldn't.
"Ditch that dough, get the "real" rolling pin out and try again with the dough still in the bowl and Sophie, we'll make more dough tonight."
I got to thinking... if I wasn't a real estate agent, Sophie might not know about the dangers of lead based paint, from rolling pins, window sills, or the like. If I wasn't working in real estate, I wouldn't hear the "Full Price Offer" cheer from my girls as I headed off for work. If I wasn't in real estate they wouldn't understand how a free market works and how homes appreciate and depreciate. If I wasn't in real estate I couldn't volunteer in their classrooms every week, or drive on field trips, or well, you get the point.
So I'm grateful for that closing next week and to be in real estate even on December 23rd, 2009. And Sophie, a new rolling pin is on me, but not until next week...

Where Can You Find One of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals you ask?

Where can you find one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the whole wide world??? Wilmington fools! Don't take it from me, Movie Maker Magazine deserves the credit.

Cucalorus, named one of the "Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals" by Moviemaker Magazine, is celebrating its 15th anniversary as an international film festival located in the historic, port city of Wilmington, NC. The festival is non-competitive to create a laid-back atmosphere and to foster open dialogue where filmmakers and audience feel free to share stories and socialize. Cucalorus provides a forum where film becomes a player in the social and political arena and offers a new voice for the South. Over 10,000 tickets were sold in 2008 and over 130 films will screen this November 11th-15th, 2009.

Timer, Precious, Port City are all at the top of my list. I noticed some screenings are already sold out.
Get your tickets folks!
http://www.cucalorus.org/

Price Reductions at TanYard Parish!

Just Reduced: Unit 105, the Twain Flat was $299,000....now $279,900!! That makes this one a short sale.
Look for Unit 205, the second floor flat, to hit the market in the next few days at $299,000.

Hot Pink in Brooklyn Arts

Hot Pink Cake Stand is planning on opening November 1 on N. 4th St. Owner Jody Carmichael is finalizing the lease next week on the building directly across from the Weldon condos.

"It will be an "Ace of Cakes" style bakery with specialty cakes and cupcakes. We'll also serve muffins and bagels," commented Carmichael.

Sweet!

Have you been to TanYard Parish?

Check out the city lights on this cool picture!

I am now handling the sales and marketing of this Plantation Building Corp. gem: TanYard Parish. With two large Brownstone units facing Front St., 4 mid-sized Townes and 3 youthful Flats- there is a lot to choose from. Great river views from many of the units, especially the 3rd floor roof top deck on the Brownstone! Come by and check out our two furnished models, let me know you're coming and I'll put the coffee on. See you downtown- Kasey (910) 367-3982

It's 4th of July Ya'll

It's 4th of July ya'll!

To many Cape Fear area residents that means one thing: DOWNTOWN!

I have spent many 4th of July's downtown since moving to Wilmington in the early 90's. It is a fabulous way to spend the 4th. Here are my "4 for the 4th" tips for enjoying the 4th downtown:
1. Get downtown early- plan to eat, shop, and relax. Hit my faves: Planet on N. Front, Sawgrass on Market near Water, and Caffe Phoenix's sidewalk cafe seating...
2. Patience is indeed a virtue- there are going to be a ton a people downtown this year, especially since the 4th falls on Saturday, foot traffic on the streets will be heavy and at times slow moving. Do what I do, when I get tired of waiting for the slow pokes to move, announce, "It looks like someone dropped a bunch of cash over there..." That usually clears a path. ;)
3. Don't bring your dog! We know you love Fido and he is a great dog, but loud fireworks and streets crowded with strangers can bring out the worst in even the most well-behaved dog. Plus, no one wants to step in any "gift" he may leave.
4. Do bring your camera! In addition to the fireworks display over the battleship, there are many new photo opportunities downtown. Check out the Ped Art displays sprinkled downtown: from Riverfront Park, Front and Market Streets, Post Office, etc... All are awesome and who knows that might just be the shot that ends up as the holiday card this year. You'll also find the coolest graffiti downtown- check out the wicked witch by the Federal Building, or Waterhead on Princess St.

Enjoy and be safe---Kasey

Oh and P.S.- Call me to see that urban loft you spotted for sale. I have listings Northside, Southside and everywhere you want to be! After spending sometime downtown it is only natural to want to live there.

New Ped Art in downtown Wilmington! Check it out at the intersection of Market St. and Front St., then head over to the Front St. Brewery for lunch, or Edge of Urge for shopping. Other new art installations in front of the Post Office.