My New Blog

Blueberry Festival 2010
Burgaw, NC June 19th, 2010

    The 7th Annual North Carolina Blueberry Festival was held on Saturday, June 19, 2010 in Historic Downtown Burgaw. The Festival celebrates the historic, economic, and cultural significance of blueberries in the southeastern region of our state. The first cultivated blueberry production in North Carolina began in the Pender County area in the 1930’s. Today, Pender County ranks second in blueberry production for the entire state.

    Nestled in the heart of Pender County, Burgaw is a small town that exemplifies true southern charm. With a population of around 4,000, the town is notorious for friendly folks and picturesque surroundings. 

    Since its inception, the Festival has become a premiere event in Southeastern North Carolina and attracts more than 30,000 people who have come to enjoy some of the area’s finest entertainment, artisans nestled around the courthouse square, antique cars lining the streets, food vendors serving up an array of delicacies and of course the Festival’s main attraction Blueberries! The Festival is a non-profit civic organization and is sponsored in part by the Town of Burgaw.

Dunk your Broker
Dunk Your Broker BBQ Fundraiser benefitting the REALTORS® Helping REALTORS® Fund. Arbor Park in Autumn Hall, Wilmington North Carolina June 16th, 2010.

    We dunked Christina Block! Actually, six times and what fun - she is such a good sport. Christina made some money for the fundraiser " Realtors^® Helping Realtors^®" at the "Dunk Your Broker" event last night. The event was very well attended and we got to meet up with people we don't see very often. The food was good but the entertainment was the highlight --- a wet and soggy Christina dropping into a tank with ice cubes in it no less..
next year we should all get together and dunk her maybe 12 times?

EXIT Homeplace Realty is proud to announce that Grace Hodgkins has joined our Hampstead Office.

Grace Hodgkins - Realtor/Broker

(910) 352-6256 Grace@RealEXIT.com     Born and raised in Southern Pines, NC, I have lived in North Carolina all of my life.  After graduating from NC State University's Design School, I happily moved to Wilmington in 1993.  After renovating several historic downtown properties, I decided to get my broker's license in real estate in 2005 and have been helping people buy and sell property ever since.     I am committed to making real estate transactions as stress-free and enjoyable as possible and my knowlege of older homes both downtown and in the surrounding beach communities helps make that possible.  My passion for real estate and helping clients achieve their goals is matched only by my passion for helping animals in need.

EXIT Homeplace Realty is proud to announce that Gayle Whetzel has joined our Hampstead Office.

Gayle Whetzel - Realtor

(910) 520-5990 Gayle@RealEXIT.com www.GayleWhetzel.com I grew up in Winchester, VA, graduated from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in history, taught high school for several years, and then went back to school to get an MBA from Virginia Tech. I was employed by Corning, Inc, a Fortune 500 company, for over 20 years, and worked in a number of supervisory and managerial positions in finance and materials management. In 2001, I moved with my husband and two children to Wilmington, retired from Corning in 2004, and began a career in real estate in 2005. My commitment to you is that I will deliver results, and the skills which I developed during my years with Corning put me in a unique position to do just that. My Commitment to You Focus on the tasks at hand to deliver results; Solve Problems (this is crucial in resolving issues between buyers and sellers); Negotiate the best price for my clients; Communicate all pertinent information – you’ll never have to wonder what’s going on. I enjoy being a realtor because I enjoy getting to know new people, and because I enjoy learning about the area in which I live. My goal is to develop client relationships that are based on trust, and to make the buying or selling experience a positive one.

Dawn Berard Agent in Hampstead Office - EXIT Homeplace Realty is proud to announce that Dawn Berard has joined our Hampstead Office.

(910) 228-8879 Dawn@RealEXIT.com www.DawnBerard.com I am a hardworking, dedicated real estate professional with the tools, resources and network to assist you in all of your real estate needs. From buying a home to building your dream home, to the perfect piece of land, to the business you have always wanted to own (or sell). I work with over 20 builders with new spec homes, custom builds and new developments. Additionally, I am familiar with Estates, Foreclosures, Short Sales and Lease to Own. I am committed to your satisfaction every step of the way. I began my real estate career as a Paralegal; with over 20 years of client service experience and a dedication, commitment to always following up, uncovering all the facts, getting the best price for you and my strong desire to make it work .... Whatever "it" may be for you... I strive to exceed your expectations every day with every client. I guarantee it! I began my career at EXIT Realty because as a former Paralegal reading the fine print is second nature for me. I interviewed with all the “big” companies in the area and EXIT’s outstanding formula, support for their agents, training, compensation, retirement and beneficiary benefits made the decision easy. Since beginning my real estate career I have consistently been a multi million dollar producer. In addition, I am an Instructor for the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. With this designation, I am always kept apprised of current hot topics, legal issues and rule changes. I am a single mother with two wonderful children, two horses, two cats, and one dog. I moved to Wilmington from Massachusetts 7 years ago and have never looked back. Trading the snow shovel for a beach pail was the best decision I ever made. I understand the stress and uncertainty of relocation and will make your move exciting and seamless. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, to request a relocation package, a list of foreclosures, to view a property or just to say hello. Dawn Berard (910) 228-8879 Dawn@EXITCoast.com www.DawnBerard.com PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO CHECK OUT MY LISTINGS: http://wrar.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=wilmington&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=RaEYlSZj%2BbpR1gsXRagTVqCT9c0FfsNrbo49SptFbok%3D&KeyRid=1 Sign up for Continuing Education Here: www.Statece.com/coastalcarolina Please review this brochure regarding working with real estate agents in North Carolina. <http://www.ncrec.state.nc.us/pdf/brochures/WorkingwAgents-8.5x14.pdf>

Beth Jones Agent in Hampstead Office - EXIT Homeplace Realty is proud to announce that Beth Jones has joined our Hampstead Office.

(850) 377-0506 Beth@RealEXIT.com     “Home is where the military sends you!” Whether you are looking for a peaceful home on the sands of Topsail Island or settling near the gates of Camp Lejeune or Stone Bay because Uncle Sam said so, I am dedicated to helping you find a place to make your home. I was born into military living as my father was an aviator in the United States Navy. As soon as I could live anywhere and stay as long as I desired, I met my husband, a United States Marine, and started the packing all over again! I am well accustomed to having to moving wherever the military happens to send you and making a home as quickly and seamlessly as possible.     I am a proud University of Tennessee Volunteer and have spent most of my career in marketing. I started my real estate endeavor here in Eastern North Carolina because I truly love what the area has to offer and I want to help other military families find their place here. I am familiar with Camp Lejeune, Stone Bay, Courthouse Bay, and MCAS New River as well as distances and information surrounding the on-base amenities. Military living is always what you make of it, and I have the knowledge and resources to make sure you and your family can relocate easily to the Lejeune and Stone Bay areas.     If you are not military and are just looking for a peaceful spot to relocate, you've come to the right place! Our area is steps away from the relaxing waves of Topsail Island but still just a short trip to the film studios, funky downtown scene, and shopping & dining in Wilmington. Whether you like to paddleboard, surf, shop, dine, bike, or kayak, I'm happy to show you what our area has to offer.     I am a stepmother of two girls, mommy to two furry puppies, and, most importantly, a proud military wife. Whatever our relationship may be, I am dedicated to being accessible to you and making your move, either to or from our area, as seamless and stress-free as possible!

EXIT Homeplace Realty Agents to Help Fundraising Event for new Hampstead Library at Golf Tournament on April 24^th, 2010

Real estate agents, Gloria Baker, Pam Brooke, Christina Block, Kathy Long and Karla Palmer will be helping out their local community by teaming up to sponsor a hole at the upcoming fundraising Golf Tournament. This event is sponsored by the Hampstead Friends of the Library and is being held at Belvedere Country Club, Hampstead, NC on April 24^th, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Funds raised will aid the new Hampstead Library. Others interested in playing in the tournament or sponsorship opportunities can contact Patricia Maynard at (910) 270-5396.

HAMPSTEAD, NC - EXIT HOMEPLACE REALTY - AGENTS OF THE MONTH.

Congratulations to brokers Christina Block as "Listing Agent of the Month of September 2009" and Kathy Hazel "Sales Agent of the Month of September 2009".

At EXIT Realty we recognize the accomplishments of our Great Real Estate Agents. With 3 EXIT offices in the Cape Fear Region we are ready to welcome you as one of our Dedicated Realtor...

Christina Block specializes in real estate and land sales in southeastern North Carolina as well as commercial property. Her professional background consists of Accounting, Information Technology and Paralegal. She has worked with clients in various markets, not just real estate. She is aware of the legal aspects of the real estate business since she has worked for a law firm specializing in real estate law. She works hard but will not ever compromise her strong work ethic. Call Christina at 910 616-2698 or visit her website www.christinablock.com for more information.

Kathy Hazel received her Real Estate lincese back in the late 80's. She joined EXIT Homeplace Realty in July 2002. Born right here on the coast, raised in Downtown Wilmington she is very knowledgeble of New Hanover County and Pender County. She loves to boat, play golf and ride Harleys. She loves the church she attends and all her church family there. She also attends softball, baseball and volleyball games at Topsail High School. Call Kathy Hazel at 910 620-1145 or visit her website www.kathyhazel.com for more information.

Great News for Surf City residents and tourists visiting our beautiful Topsail Island beaches!

In a little over a year, Surf City will have a 16-lane bowling alley, eight-screen movie theater, arcade, restaurants, CVS and more. The entertainment complex is planned to open in the spring of 2011.

Read the whole article about Surf City entertainment complex.

About Surf City and Topsail Island NC: Topsail Island beaches are family oriented. The beaches are not crowded, beautiful and affordable, the water is warm and the waves are perfect! Those who visit Surf City will fall in love with this small beach town and will come back again.

NC Real Estate for Sale in surrounding towns and communities, such as: Hampstead, Surf City, Topsail Beach, Jacksonville, Burgaw, Rocky Point, Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Leland, Southport, Pender County, New Hanover County and Onslow County.

EXIT Homeplace Realty recently welcomed back four representatives from this years EXIT convention in Washington DC.  The focus of this year’s convention really seemed to be geared toward being ready for a recovery.  Alexis Pierson, Ellen Hough, Christina Asbury and Dana Scalici headed off last Tuesday from their office in Jacksonville, NC for the 6 hour trek to DC and were glad they did. 

Speakers like Bob Proctor, featured on “The Secret”, John Miller (Flipping the Switch) and Stedman Graham (You Can Make It Happen) graced the stage along with some of EXIT Head Office’s finest, Steve Morris, Tami Bonnell and Joyce Paron.  The overwhelming theme was that our attitude truly determines our altitude! 

We learned about new free tools (PromoShoplite) that our company is providing to help us do our jobs better and introducing new initiatives (Teal is the New Green) to help make the world better.

We were inspired by breakout speakers who are a testament to EXIT’s mission of learning from each other and mentoring.  

We got the chance to see old friends and make new ones who live all over North America and rub elbows with some of the kindest most down to earth “big wigs” we’ve ever met.  It was a truly inspiring week but we’re glad to be back to share what we have learned with our colleagues and use to better serve our clients.