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.

RENT at Thalian Hall!

Rent is currently showing at Thalian Hall. Who has seen it? How is it?

Ticket sales and schedule avail. at: www.thalianhall.com

Tall Ship Invasion, Cupcake Expansion and Price Reductions!

Here is a snapshot week in review for Downtown Wilmington!
Did you see the Tall Ship docked along the Cape Fear River. The "Pride of Baltimore II" arrived in Wilmington last week (and early at that!) and kicked off the Memorial Day Weekend, summer and the local tourist season. It was awesome.

Downtown's own, Coastal Cupcakes, opened their second location last week. On Wrightsville Ave. just before the Wrightsville Beach bridge is where you can now find their wide selection of delectible treats. MY new favorite is the Orangesicle. Congrats to Kristen and Meredith, now you can visit them downtown on Princess St or on your way to the beach!

Last but not least- New York Hatters - 105 Grace St.-announced price reductions last week as well. Studio condo reduced to $179,500 and large one bedroom $249,900. Check 'em out and call me for a tour! www.newyorkhatters.com

Everyone Gets an $8,000 stimulus at New York Hatters

During the month of May, Plantation Building Corp. is offering an $8,000 stimulus on their remaining New York Hatters condos to any buyers. Use the $8,000 as a price reduction, closing costs, HOA credit---you tell us!
New York Hatters is located at 105 Grace St. in downtown Wilmington. Come see these great urban living opportunities this weekend on Sat of Sun afternoon 3-5 pm.

Great photo gallery on their website: www.newyorkhatters.com

Six months Mortgage paid by builder!

Plantation Building Corp. will pay the first six months mortgage payments on their last two condos in New York Hatters- 105 Grace St. Downtown Wilmington.

Both are top floor units- one a studio priced at $187,500 and the other a larger one bedroom priced at $254,900.

Gorgeous, new construction condos - granite, stainless, unique moldings, flat screen tvs....

Check out the gallery photos at- http://www.newyorkhatters.com/

For a showing call Kasey Valente- 910-367-3982

Top Ten Azalea Festival to-do's

This is a big deal around these parts, whether you're an Azalea Fest virgin, or seasoned vet- try some of these to spice up the fun!
1. Play I-Spy an Azalea-belle.
2. Eat a funnel cake...while standing on one foot facing the Cape Fear River
3. Board a pirate ship- one has docked my friends
4. Play pieces of eight
5. Take the Garden Tour and freak the hosts out by saying, "I thought you should know there is a little bit of poison ivy coming up near the azaleas..."
6. Buy a condo downtown- we all need a second home.
7. In a loud voice say, "Isn't that the Azalea Queen?" and laugh at all the people that turn around.
8. Say, we're with the band and see if you get a free cup a joe at my favorite PCJ on Front St.
9. Skip on the riverwalk (If you can do this from Brooks building to Chandler's wharf, my hat is off to you, yes I will be wearing a hat- it's Azalea Fest punks!)
10. Tour Thalian Hall which is totally haunted. Hide and say Whoooooooo to the other guests!

XXOO- Come see me downtown and I will give you a free cupcake coupon to Coastal Cupcakes on Princess St. For realio- I'll be at 105 Grace St., catch me if you can.

Awarding winning sales model available for sale

This is a going, going, (soon I will insert Gone!) post- My sales model at New York Hatters- 105 Grace St. has won national, local and regional awards. Parade of Homes Gold winner, MAX! Best Sales Model, Multifamily Executive Magazine "Project of the Year" and soon it will win the award of (insert your name here)'s HOME!

The building has sold extremely well and this studio is available furnished for the awesome price of $187,500. Check out the photo gallery at www.newyorkhatters.com and call me to schedule a showing- 367-3982!
Kasey

Weldon welcomes Betsy!

Weldon welcomes its newest resident- Betsy. Enjoy our beautiful weather, walk along the Brooklyn Arts District, stroll down to the Cape Fear River, sip a cup of tea at a sidewalk cafe.... You'll love it here!

FYI- All new Weldon units are sold- contact me for resale information if you or someone you know wants to move into the building.

Downtown Condos win big at MAX! Awards

On 2/19, the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Assoc. announced their MAX! Award winners. (Marketing Achievement Excellence). Plantation Building Corp. was the big winner of the evening. A few of their awards included:
New York Hatters- 105 Grace St. won for Best Sales Model (less than 1500 sq. ft)
New York Hatters also won for Special Projects- Sex and the City promotions
TanYard Parish- 212 South Front St.- Best New Home Logo
Weldon- 619 N. Fourth St.- Best Direct Marketing Piece (for their No One on the Corner...Postcard)

Check out pics of the NYH model at- www.newyorkhatters.com
Check out the Tanyard logo at- www.tanyardparish.com

Week without Shopping- Try this, it'll be fun!

An article on the NYTimes Diner's blog about how "over provisioned" Americans are. Blog suggested trying a week without shopping. Visit your freezer, pantry and cupboards! I have more pasta in the pantry than I care to admit...and canned goods, baking items... I'm going to try this. It will be fun. Just as soon as I make a trip to the market....

http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/cooking-without-shopping/?partner=rss

Gepetto's House and Tick, Tick, ...Boom this weekend!

Two great performances at two of my favorite places:
Gepetto's House at the Brown Coat Pub on Grace St.-
The setting of Gepetto's House is a costume party on a college campus in 1969, when America is coming apart at the seams. The characters must stay in costume and in character until midnight. What happens that night will change their world and the world around them. 8pm Thurs-Sun & 3pm Matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $10 and available at the door or on the web site. Call 910.233.9914 for more information.
www.guerillatheatre.com

Tick, Tick...Boom! at City Stage on Front St.
A musical look at the courage it takes to follow your dreams, TICK, TICK... BOOM! is Jonathan Larson's autobiographical tale of a young composer on the brink of turning 30 and falling into oblivion. His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city (TICK,), his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue (TICK...), yet Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical (BOOM!). Containing fourteen songs, ten characters, three actors, and a band, TICK, TICK... BOOM! takes you on the playwright's journey that led to the Broadway blockbuster, RENT. Call 910.342.0272 for more information.
City Stage21 N. Front StreetWilmington, NC 28401
www.citystageatlevel5.com/theatre-cal.html

House approves Stimulus Bill- $8,000 First Time Buyer tax credit

Wow, big change to first time buyer tax credit- increased from $7500 to $8000 and now does not have to be repaid. Use link from WRAR to view chart on key differences....
http://www.wrar.com/pub_PDFs/GovAffairs/HomebuyersTaxCredit.pdf

Recycling Mysteries Article

Good article about hard to recycle items that shouldn't be thrown away. Batteries, motor oil, paint...
Check it our via the yahoo link below. FYI- batteries can be recycled at UNCW, they have a killer recycling center at the back of campus.

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/46/five-recycling-mysteries-solved.html

John Bul Dau Tonight at Thalian !!

If you didn't see the wonderful documentary, "God Grew Tired of Us", put it on your Netflix queue today. It tells the story of Sudanese Lost Boys that had to flee the desert facing extreme challenges. One of the Lost Boys- John Bul Dau lectures at Thalian tonight. I highly recommend attending. Contact the box office for tickets, or order online at http://www.thalianhall.com/.

John Pizzarelli at Thalian tomorrow!

John Pizzarelli - Jazz Favorite John Pizzarelli has had a multi-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader. Internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads, and the cool jazz flavor he brings to his performances and recordings.

Tickets $35/28. Call 910.343.3664 or 800.523.2820.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.thalianhall.com

Azalea Pre-Festival Party next Friday

I need a little bit of Azalea Festival today because it is so gosh dang frigid! Hit the pre-festival party on 1/23 at the Riverside Hilton. Tix are $25 buckaroos! Partay starts at 7 p.

Fun for the next three days in Downtown Wilmington

Tomorrow night- Browncoat Pub and Theatre Trivia night at 10 pm. 111 Grace St.

Friday night- Sunfolds + Boroughs at the Soapbox 9 pm. N. Front St.

Saturday day- Volunteer with the Full Belly Project 9:30 am. 1020 Chestnut St.