january newsletter no agents

Selling Your Home Soon? You'll need our Free Report titled, “44 Money-making Tips For Preparing Your Home To Sell.” Call us right now at 877-333-4466 and get all the facts for a fast, top dollar sale…

ISSUE 14 Volume 1North Carolina’s Crystal Coast

Is It A Cold Or The Flu? You feel lousy. Does it matter whether it's a cold or the flu? Yes. It's important because the influenza virus can have very serious complications, such as pneumonia, and can be deadly. While both colds and the flu are caused by viruses that produce some of the same symptoms (sore throat, headache, nasal congestion), there are some definitive symptoms you should look for. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I have nasal congestion, a stuffy nose or frequent sneezing?Do I have a runny nose with thick discharge?Do I have a moist cough?If your symptoms are from the “neck up” and come on gradually, it's probably a cold, caused by the rhinovirus or more than 200 other viruses.

Do I have a high-grade fever (102 degrees or above)? Do I have chills, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, and pains? Do I have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath?If your symptoms come on suddenly and your body feels weak and tired, it may be the flu.

What You Should (And Shouldn't) Do…

If you have a cold:Ø Rest and drink water, juice, broth or warm lemon water with

honey to loosen congestion and prevent dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which are dehydrating.

Ø Eat chicken soup. Even the Mayo Clinic says it might help by acting as an anti-inflammatory and speeding up the movement of mucus.

Continued on Page 2…

Visit www.StarTeamRealEstate.com and check out over 3,000 Active Properties for Sale on the Crystal Coast

Inside This Issue…Is It A Cold or The Flu? And What Should You Do? .....................&2

Recent Solds & Listings .............Page 3

How To Turn Unused Gift Cards Into Cash..........................Page 4

Should You Give A Retailer Your Zip Code?...........................Page 4

Market Overview ................Page 5 & 6

Meet Alyssa Mayer .....................Page 7

How Can I Net More Money Selling My Own Home? .............Page 7

Thinking Of Buying A Home Soon?If you're planning to buy a home in the next 6 months, you'll want a copy of our Free consumer guide, “7 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Financing Your Next Home.” Our exclusive report will help you avoid frustrations and

costly pitfalls when buying a home. To get a copy, simply call us at….877-333-4466

Real Estate Today!

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Word of the Month…Studies have shown your income and wealth are directly related to the size and depth of your vocabulary. Here is this month's word, so you can impress your friends (and maybe even fatten your wallet!)…

Felicitous (fi-lis-i-tuhs) adjective

Meaning: well suited; pleasing

Sample Sentence: We all enjoyed our family reunion, which was a felicitous occasion.

How do you put out a grease or oil fire on your stovetop or oven? Water only makes it spread. Instead use baking soda or salt. They will absorb the liquid that is causing the flames.

To sleep during the day without feeling groggy, time your nap one of three ways:

1. For improved alertness and performance, take a 10 to 20 minute power nap, ideally between 1-4 p.m.

2. If you find yourself sleeping longer than 20 minutes, try to go for a 90-minute nap. This will take you through a full sleep cycle, which aids creativity and procedural memory.

3. Try to sleep less than 45 minutes or more than 90 minutes because if you wake up during the middle of a slow-wave cycle you may feel more tired.

Quotes To Live By…Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail.

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.

–Benjamin Franklin

I find that a great part of the information I have was acquired by looking up something and finding something else on the way.

–Franklin P. Adams

Kitchen Tip

Take The Perfect Nap

…Continued from Page 1

Ø Gargle with salt water (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water) to temporarily relieve a sore throat.

Ø Try an over-the-counter medication to ease your symptoms, but read the labels to make sure you don't overdose on acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Ø Don't take antibiotics (they attack bacteria, not viruses). If your symptoms don't improve after a week, however, you may have a bacterial infection that could be treated with an antibiotic.

Ø Use a saline nasal spray to rinse the virus out of your nasal passages. Ø Put a humidifier in your room. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions

(that's why colds are more common in winter).Ø Consider herbal remedies like Echinacea, vitamin C and zinc (some

people have great success), but talk to your doctor first. Ø Don't believe the adage “starve a cold, feed a fever” or vice versa.

There's little scientific evidence either way works.

If you have the flu: ♦ Try to avoid it in the first place by getting a flu shot. The U.S.

Centers For Disease Control recommends that everyone over six months of age be vaccinated annually.

♦ Get to a doctor fast. He or she can take a nasal or throat swab to see if you test positive for the flu. Prescription anti-viral medications like Tamiflu and Relenza, which shorten the length and severity of the illness, should be taken within 48 hours of the onset of the symptoms.

♦ Don't take antibiotics -- unless you have a complication. If you're coughing up green phlegm spotted with blood, you may have a bacterial infection and antibiotics could be appropriate.


Please Welcome New Clients And Good Friends Into Our Real Estate Family…

We'd like to take a moment to personally introduce and welcome a few of our newest clients and good friends who have supported our business over the

years. And special thanks for everyone who thought of us with your referrals!

John and Donna Fountain, West Sayville, NYJack Cox, Morehead City, NC

Cassandra Cole and Harry Scheidy, Millersburg, MDSallie and Henry Modlin, Goldsboro, NC

Glenn Barwick and Judith McMillen, Goldsboro, NCDon Boaz, Atlantic Beach, NCHarold Adams, Newport, NC

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Recently Sold

COMMUNITY POOL

314 McGinnis DrivePINE KNOLL SHORES

$255,000INFO LINE #790

OVER 13 ACRES of LAND

2608 Country Club RoadMOREHEAD CITY

$1,069,000INFO LINE #467

DEEDED WATER ACCESS

315 Skiff CourtHARKERS ISLAND

$55,000INFO LINE #159

NEW PRICE

1185 Roberts RoadNEWPORT

$334,500INFO LINE #600

WATERFRONT LOT w/ BOAT LIFT

5214 Driftwood LaneMOREHEAD CITY

$449,000INFO LINE #902

COMMUNITY WATER ACCESS

204 Leeward LaneBEAUFORT

$75,000INFO LINE #135

OCEANFRONT & 2ND ROW LOTS

Roosevelt Beach LotsPINE KNOLL SHORES

Starting at $299,000INFO LINE #802

GREAT LOCATION

414 W. Terminal Blvd.ATLANTIC BEACH

$199,900INFO LINE #542

SeabrookPINE KNOLL SHORES

Starting at $479,000INFO LINE #545

NEW PRICES

WATERFRONT

152 Alfred DriveGLOUCESTER

$329,000INFO LINE #124

GREAT END UNIT

8A ReefstonePINE KNOLL SHORES

$179,000INFO LINE #980

GREAT HOME in BLAIR FARM

1815 Widgeon DriveMOREHEAD CITY

$249,900INFO LINE #280

To hear more about these properties or any of the

properties The Star Team has listed, please call

1-877-255-1676 then enter the Info Line Number.

130 Willow Court, Pine Knoll Shores. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 BR / 2 BA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $371,0001010 Salter Path Road, Indian Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 BR / 2 BA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $216,6402000 Thompson Street, Newport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 BR / 3 BA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000303 Barbour Road, Unit 201, Morehead City . . . . . . 2 BR / 2 BA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120,0002011-2013 Fisher Street, Morehead City . . . . . . . . . . 2 BR / 1 BA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,000

NEW

LISTING NEW

LISTING

Featured ListingsFor recorded property information call 1-877-255-1676 then enter info Line Number

201 W. Fort Macon Road • Atlantic Beach, NC 28512Phone (252) 727-5656 • Fax (252) 727-5959 • [email protected] • www.StarTeamRealEstate.com

NEW

LISTING

NEW

LISTING

Visit www.StarTeamRealEstate.com and check out over 3,000 Active Properties for Sale on the Crystal CoastVisit www.StarTeamRealEstate.com and check out over 3,000 Active Properties for Sale on the Crystal Coast

NEW

LISTING

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Brain Teaser…If nine-thousand nine-hundred and nine dollars is written as $9,909, how should twelve-thousand twelve-hundred and twelve dollars be written?

(See page 7 for the answer.)

Real Estate Question?Maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Or maybe you just need a recommendation for a handyman, carpet cleaner or plumber…

Either way, we love hearing from all of our good friends and clients. And we're always looking to answer questions you might have about anything relating to real estate or home-ownership.

If you have a question or idea, call us at 877-333-4466. We're here to help!

Useful First-Aid Apps For Apple & Android Devices

+ Pocket First Aid & CPR – Updated with CPR info from the American Heart Association and includes 34 helpful videos. ($1.99)

+ First Aid-American Red Cross – Expert advice for everyday emergencies plus you don't need Wi-Fi to access it. (Free)

+GotoAID – First aid for you and your pets plus disaster preparedness ($4.99 for advanced version).

Have A Laugh…A policeman stopped a motorist who had just gone through a four-way stop sign and was about to give him a ticket when the motorist said, “Officer you can't give me a ticket for that!” “Why not?” asked the officer. “Because although I didn't stop, I slowed down and it's almost the same,” said the motorist. “But the sign doesn't say SLOW, it says STOP,” said the officer.

To make his point, the officer pulled out his baton and started hitting the motorist.

“What are you doing!” yelled the motorist. The officer replied, “Do you want me to slow down or stop?”

Turn Unused Gift CardsInto Cash

If you recently received a gift card as a present, here's some good advice: Use it as soon as possible. Why? More than $1 billion on gift cards goes unredeemed annually. Gift cards make great presents, but you may receive some you aren't excited about. If you don't want the card, you can sell or exchange it at websites like:

¨ www.plasticjungle.com. Sell gift cards worth at least $25 for approved merchants for a percentage of the face value. Receive your funds through PayPal, by check, or in the form of an Amazon.com gift card.

¨ www.cardpool.com. Use this worldwide exchange to sell your gift cards for cash and earn up to 92 percent cash back.

¨ www.raise.com. Choose your own price rather than relying on the website to tell you what percent of the face value you can earn.

Review the marketplace to see prices for similar cards.


Would You Like To Know How Much YourNeighbor's Home Listed Or Sold For?

Maybe you're just curious. Or maybe you want to know how much your home is worth. Either way, we can help…with no “sales pitches” or run-arounds. Call us at 877-333-4466 and we'll give you all the facts.

Should You Give Your Zip Code At A Store?

When you buy something and you've swiped your card, the salesperson may ask for your zip code. The store has your name, card number and expiration date, but with the zip code it can figure out your address and phone number. It's beneficial for both you and the store because the store may send you discount coupons and catalogs.

The downside is some states say it violates privacy laws. The store could possibly sell your profile to a data broker, a business that sells information to other companies. You can opt out, however, by just saying “No thanks, I'd rather not” when they ask for it.

Here are three times that you do need to give it: American Express, for example, may want you to key in your zip code for security purposes. You still need to give it when shopping online so they know where to ship your purchases. And gas stations use it as a verification system to fight fraud when you pay-at-the-pump.

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MARKET OVERVIEW - YEAR END 2013Here are several charts that will give you an overview of the real estate market in Carteret County

2013 vs. 2012 Year Over Year Results

Overall Market SummaryAll Categories

1. Total Unit Sales- All Properties were up 10.0% over 20122. Total Dollar Sales were up 13.0% over 20123. Average Selling Prices were up 3.0% over 20124. Total Inventory was up 2.0% over 20125. Number of Pending Contracts- All Properties were up 13.0% at year end.

We are still in a “Buyers' Market” and buyers are taking advantage of the reduced prices and low interest rates. We are definitely seeing increased interest in the second home market. The Pending Contracts indicate that we will begin 2014 with continued increased business.

This spread sheet compares both Single Family and Condominium Sales by Area compared to the same period last year. Both Single Family and Condominiums saw good increases for 2013 vs. 2012. Condominiums saw a 32% increase in unit sales with only a 4% drop in average selling price. Single Family sales were up 10% and prices up 1%.


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Interest rates took a jump from historic lows beginning in May 2013 and have continued on a fairly steady trend from around 3.5% to around 4.5%. We expect to see continued increases as the government reduces its bond buying and Quantative Easing. Still, 4.5% is an extremely low rate based on historical figures.

Total Unit Sales Since 2003

All PropertiesThis chart shows the Unit Sales Trend for All Properties in our MLS over the past 11 years. Our market peaked in 2005 and was in steady decline through 2009. In 2010 we saw our first overall increase and it has continued for four straight years with momentum beginning to pick up.

Average Selling PriceAll PropertiesCrystal Coast MLS Service

This chart shows the jump in Average Selling Prices from 2003. Our prices remained fairly stable from 2005 through 2007. The price declines began in 2008 and continued through 2010. Average Selling Prices have fluctuated for the past four years. In 2013 we saw an overall Average Price increase of 3% over 2012.

30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgages


Thanks For Thinking of Us!Did you know we can help you or any of your friends or family save time and money when buying or selling a home? Thanks for keeping us in mind with your referrals…and spreading the word about our services.

Brain Teaser Answer:$13,212

Best Time To Drink CoffeeDo you have a cup of coffee to wake you up first thing in the morning? Turns out your cortisol levels naturally peak between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. So have your coffee between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., which should give you an energy jolt before your body's next natural energy spike at noon.

Do You Have Any Of These?

! Pentheraphobia – The persistent fear of your mother-in-law

! Technophobia – Fear of technology

! Pteronophobia – Fear of being tickled by feathers

! Arachibutyrophobia – Fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth

! Phobophobia – Fear of phobias

THANK YOU for reading our

Real Estate Today newsletter. We try to produce a newsletter that has great content and is fun and valuable to you. Your constructive feedback is always welcome.

AND…whether you're thinking of

buying, selling or financing real estate, or just want to stop by and say “Hi,” We'd love to hear from you…

The Star TeamStar Team Real Estate

877-333-4466info@StarTeamRealEstate.comwww.StarTeamRealEstate.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this letter is intended for informational purposes. It should not substitute as legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services advice. Always seek a competent professional for answers to your specific questions. This letter is not intended to solicit real estate properties currently for sale.

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Alyssa MayerLicensed Assistant201 West Fort Macon RoadAtlantic Beach, NC 29557

(252) 727-5656 (252) 727-5959 – [email protected]

– Office

Meet a Teammate!

Real Estate Corner…Q. How can I net more money selling my own home?

A. Here are three important tips:

• Set the right price from the start. Homes that sell for the most money are priced right when they go on the market.

• Create a comprehensive plan to market your home. You can target buyers though flyers and open houses, but your home should be listed

®in the official MLS database by a REALTOR so more buyers see it and you get a price closer to what you're asking.

®• Hire an experienced Home Marketing Expert. A REALTOR who knows how to effectively market your home can net you more money. Plus, they can save you time by assisting you with every aspect of the sale, from pricing your home to coordinating the closing process.

You can learn about these tips and more in our Free Consumer Report called “7 Insider Tips To Net More Money Selling Your Own Home.” Ask us for a copy and we'll send it right over.

Do you have a question you want answered? Just call us at 877-333-4466. Perhaps we'll feature it in our next issue!

Alyssa, our licensed assistant, obtained her Real Estate license in 2006 and has been with the Star Team since 2012. As the Customer Care Coordinator, Alyssa works very closely with our prospective buyers and sellers helping them navigate our website. She also assists the Listing and Closing coordinators and is very knowledgeable, possesses great customer skills, and is here to help you!
