Today is graduation day for the seniors at South Brunswick High School.  It is so good to see the babies that you loved 18 years ago, be at this turning point in their lives.  I am so proud  of these young folks that are taking a big step  forward into adulthood. Many of these graduates are going off to college to get an education.  Hopefully, some of them will come back to Brunswick County and join our work force here.  I am so proud of them.. Special Congratulations to Will Rainwater...Go NC State! Ginger of Southport 06/13/2009

I am finding myself in uncharted waters when it comes to closing a transaction right now.  Banks are giving buyers a harder time it seems.  Are you seeing it?  Hidden fees that you are not familiar with? It seems like everyone is having a harder time so therefore trying to make up deficient with additional fees.  I have just been wondering if it is the lenders, originators, attorneys, inspectors that I am working with or not. Share your thought with me please. Business is picking up right now. Ginger of Southport 06/10/2009

I am thinking about having an Open House on one of my oceanfront Cottages toward the end of the month. Historically, Open Houses do not work and I am asking for you to email me some ideas that you use that have worked in your area. Here, we have to feed the agents and public, and offer money...$100 for a drawing.  How many of those agents run right back to the office and email out to all there investors that they have seen a house that is right for them.  (Wish that were so.) Anyway, Please send me some tips that might make my Open House more appealing. Thanks in advance for any help. Ginger Harper of Southport NC   06/10/2009

I drove by Potters Market this morning and they have a chalk message on a blackboard mounted outside on their wall, that they don't have any shrimp yet because the shrimp aren't here yet.  Potters market is the one directly on the Old Yacht Basin and its painted yellow.  I'm looking forward to seeing the sign that the shrimnp are there! In the sixties I remember watching the shrimp boats unloading and watching the ladies quickly head the shrimp and fill their buckets.  I also remember watching the Idle On charter boats come in at the Old Yacht Basin, where they would display their catch on boards for photos with the anglers to testify to a good day fishing.  The old Yacht Basin has always been a working waterfront, and over the years I've sold many boat slips there.   One quirk of that ... 06/08/2009

  Last Week in Review           "IT'S A RECESSION WHEN YOUR NEIGHBOR LOSES HIS JOB; IT'S A DEPRESSION WHEN YOU LOSE YOURS." Harry S. Truman. The big headlines of the week had everything to do with job losses...and some surprising twists within the monthly Jobs Report that arrived on Friday, and caused home loan rates to worsen yet once again. Despite their efforts to improve early in the week, Bonds and rates ended the week .375% to .5% worse than where they began. Friday's Jobs Report showed that 345,000 jobs were lost in May, far better than expectations for 520,000 jobs lost. And adding to the positive tone were revisions to the two prior months, showing 82,000 fewer jobs lost than previously reported. So all in all, about 260,000 fewer jobs lost than had been forecast. But let's ta... 06/08/2009

Today our church, roasted our Pastor Skip Williams tonight.  He has been our minister for 7 years.  Our church, Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport NC was Blessed to have Skip with us. He started many different ministries here.  I can not possibly name them all but I do want to mention a few.  The Stephens Ministries, The Prayer Shaw Angels, Kiros Cookie Prison Ministry were very active in our church. Many folks have benefitted so much with the work of this fine man.  He will be moving to Raleigh NC to pastor a church there. God Bless YOU.. Ginger of  Southport NC 06/07/2009

I lived on a 28' Chris Craft from June 30, 1970 until May 1, 1971, in Southport, and also traveled the Intracoastal Waterway from Southport to Washington, DC and South to Riviera Beach, Florida.   Captain Len Lowrey from Reedville, Virginia, had a 42' Yacht under the covered dock and he lived aboard when fishing in this area.  Captain Len had given up alcohol and he said it changed his life, thus the name of his yacht "The Menopause".  I always knew when someone saw that name for the first time, because of the laughter from the tourists and transient boat owners that walked by. At that time there were 3 old wooden minesweepers converted to fishing vessels that fished out of Southport in search of menhaden or "pogies".  These fish were processed at the Fish Factory and the product was ei... 06/06/2009

If you don't get in enough walking on Downtown Southport, Inc.'s Home Sweet Home Kitchens Tour this Sunday, June 7th, from 2-6pm, then you may want to plan to take advantage of other Southport walks that are quite fun and with no admission charge. Take the Southport Historical Society's Southport Trail self guided walking tour through the Historic District and also enjoy Riverwalk, meandering by the Cape Fear River, Waterfront Park, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the Southport Marina.    Wednesday's are market days on the Garrison lawn seasonally, and be sure to take in the NC Maritime Museum at Southport which reflects the vast nautical history of Southport.  Waterfront movies are also shown during the summer months, get a schedule from the Southport Visitor's Center. 06/06/2009

Well, Another week has ended and I am seeing more activty that I have all year. This week, I have written one contract, had an agent to bring me another contract, and sent closing papers to the attorney and listed 2 houses on Oak Island.  That is pretty good for this week.  If this could just happen every week, I may be able to live. Hope that you are experiencing the much needed activity too. Take care and know I care. Ginger   06/05/2009

Betty Johnson is a good friend and associate that works with me at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty in Southport, North Carolina.  Betty celebrated her 70th Birthday today.  Being the singer in the office...I  checked to see if their were any customers in the office. ( this was early) when told that there were none....I sang Happy Birthday to Betty on the office Page... This was a highlight  of her day. Glad that I could make that happen..   Ginger of Southport 06/04/2009

The influx of volunteers that cherish our  lifestyle has provento be a tremendous benefit to Southport's citizens and to the surrounding communities.  Numerous organizations owe their energy to this diversified resource.  The Southport Historical Society,  Volunteer Fire Departments of St James Plantation, Oak Island, Boiling Spring Lakes, Southport, numerous volunteer Rescue Squads,  Sea Notes Choral Society, State II Productions, Brunswick Little Theatre, Brunswick Concert Band, Associated Artists of Southport, Knights of Columbus, Southport Lions Club, Rotary Club of Southport, Brunswick County Communities in Schools, Downtown Southport, Inc., Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce, Civitan Club, Kiwanis Club, Dosher Hospital volunteers, the Sail & Power Squadron, and many other or... 06/04/2009

The local charity drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association was a great success!  They were still counting but when I left they had collected over $25,000.  I want to thank sales associates Tom Griffin, Sandy Hall, Kay Jolliff and Brooke Rudd for donating their time and resources to volunteering in this fundraiser.  Margaret Rudd &  Associates CFO George Brake also did great duty by driving the whole day.  They have handcuffs, warrants, places for photos as jailbirds, donated food, and a room where telephone solicitations can go on for last minute pledges.  Several used the internet site to get their contributions.  Isn't technology great!  I had the pleasure of picking up volunteers from St James Plantation, Boiling Spring Lakes, Southport, and Oak Island.  Transportation home was a... 06/03/2009

Wow....On Duty! I am just not used to this.  I usually have too much to do but today...I volunteered. The first time the phone rang...I just about jumped out of my skin.  Then remembered that I must be  the  one to answer it and  put the call through  to the agent. Guess what....the call was from  me. I love it.   Take care, Ginger 06/03/2009

It has been a long time since I have had Opportunity time.  We find ourselves a bit short with illness and accidents.  Therefore, I am on Duty today. I suppose that all of us should know what to do in case of emergencies like this so I am getting my training right now. Thought I would share good thoughts with you. Ginger of Southport 06/03/2009

Just finished doing 2 BPO's and getting them emailed to the originator.  What great fun.  I find that doing these keep my skill sharp for our local market. I enjoy the challenge of getting comparable sale together and then looking at what the competiion for this piece of proepty is going to be. Do you have a lot of these in your area?  I would lke to do more. Share with me if you will Take care, Ginger of Southport 06/02/2009

Be sure to go to the Southport Waterfront Market tomorrow, Wednesday, and every Wednesday until Thanksgiving, from 8am-1pm at the Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn.  Home made baked goods are generally available, crafts, and wonderful farm fresh produce.  This is sponsored by Downtown Southport, Inc. 06/02/2009

Tennis is a very popular activity in St James Plantation, according to my friends, the Ammanns. who live there and love the game.  Thematches are generally set up by skill levels, so you usually play against someone at the same skill level or at least close.  One of my friends is a 3.5 and the other a 4.0.  I don't play the game, but I always enjoy hearing about their matches.  The sport is so popular out there that they have spectators for certain matches.  I guess the spectators are checking out the competition!  So if you think all the retirement activity in Brunswick County is golf you need to think again! 06/01/2009

I am a member of the Sea Notes Choral Society in Southport.  We perform 3 times a year and do great concerts that is enjoyed by all. On the 4th of July we will be doing a concert of patriotic music.  WE have the official 4th of july parade for the state of North Carolina. If you should be close by during the 4th ....come on by and enjoy it all   Ginger of Southport   06/01/2009

One of the best deals in town is the opportunity to ride the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry across the Cape Fear River.  You can walk on, drive on, or take your bicycle, then enjoy the breezes and views. The ferry runs year round but check their schedule by calling their local number,  (910) 457-6942, or Call 1-800-By Ferry.  Visit the North Carolina Aquarium and Fort Fisher Civil War Museum while on the other side. 06/01/2009

A dear friend and associate of mine, fell off of her horse yesterday.  It was a big horse that has some Clydesdale blood in it. Her horse was spooked and she fell off.  From the fall, she sustained a broken back and will have surgery tomorrow.  So keep her in your prayers. WE are in great hopes that all will go well and she will be able to conduct business at home as she heals.   Have a great day, Ginger of Southport 05/31/2009