Greenville, NC - A housing slump that has trudged on for more than a year hit low points in August in Pitt County, but David French, president of the Greenville Pitt Association of Realtors, is confident better days are ahead. The question remains: When? "Eventually our market is going to return to a sound market," French said Wednesday. "Will it go back to what it was in 2006? I don't know. But I think we will eventually get back to a good, stable market." August home sales in Pitt County fell 40 percent from the same month last year - 185 total units compared to 306 in 2007. That's the 13th consecutive drop when compared to sales the previous year, dating back to a 7 percent gain in July 2007. For a while, it looked like 2008 would be a perfect illustration as to why the Pitt market ... 09/28/2008

    Jason Homey of Clumsy Lovers. He plays banjo, mandolin and guitar for the Vancouver, British Columbia-based band. The season's first Freeboot Friday is on for today and set to be held at its outdoor location at Fourth and Cotanche streets in the Moseley parking Lot. Officials worried rain from a northeaster may force the event indoors or cancel it as Tropical Storm Hanna did on Sept. 5. They decided this morning to keep it outdoos. In its eighth year, the series of outdoor socials runs from 5-8 p.m., with live music, food, drinks and children's activities. The first event was canceled due to Tropical Storm Hanna. Two other Freeboots are on the books for Oct. 17 and Nov.7. Previous Freeboots were held at the corner of Fifth and Evans streets, but due to construction today's event wil... 09/26/2008

  Connecting Audiences With Socially Progressive and Culturally Redeemable Messages Sponsors __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Recently, I had the pleasure to meet Adam Nelson, a Greenville, NC based attorney whom works for East Carolina University's Student Conduct Office.  Mr. Nelson shares his wisdom and hope through his website, www.DepositHope.com and through public speaking with the company he founded, Treading Together LLC.  Deposit Hope is a website that allows users to sign up for weekly "hope withdrawals" via e-mail that provide inspirational quotations, stories, ideas and thoughts from the public.  Anyone can sign up for the service.  Better yet, you can also "Deposit Hope" by providing your name and inf... 09/25/2008

Vote for US!!!! - Our crew will be tailgating Saturday! GREENVILLE,NC. - Despite last weekend's overtime loss to NCSU, East Carolina remains in the Top 25, ranking #23 in this weeks polls.  The time to react is already upon the No. 23 East Carolina football team. The 3-1 Pirates will be forced to make their 30-24 overtime loss to N.C. State a memory, and head coach Skip Holtz said Monday that will be the team's newest challenge. The Pirates host Conference USA rival Houston on Saturday, and while the dream of an unbeaten season and making a big dent on the national bowl scene has expired, the bulk of the season still awaits ECU. "They're very down, it's very somber and very quiet," Holtz said of the player reaction to the team's first loss since last Nov. 10. "I'm not saying that's a ba... 09/24/2008

Spotlight On Local Business As Greenville continues to grow, the local business owners, sometimes referred to as "Small Business, The Little Man", see more and more franchisees overtake the majority of products and services offered to the public.  However, some of the best service is still provided in the local shops of the old days.  This point proves true in this week's "Spotlight on Local Business".  Johnny Weathington, owner of El Toro Barber & Style has been in service for over 40 years, cutting local mens' hair since 1967.  Yet today, more than ever, you can truly appreciate small town service like he provides.  From the moment you walk in the door it reminds you of what a barbershop is suppose to be like.  From the old spinning barber lantern to the many professional men talking ... 09/24/2008

Ichiban Xpress now open Ichiban Xpress Japanese hibachi has opened at 310-F Arlington Blvd., beside Jersey Mike's. It's in the spot most recently occupied by Shiki Express. Patrons place orders at a counter and may eat in the dining room or take items to go. Entrees include hibachi vegetables ($4.89), teriyaki chicken ($5.99), hibachi steak ($6.45), hibachi shrimp ($6.15) and hibachi salmon ($7.95), along with combination plates. Entrees are served with onions and rice and a choice of steamed rice, fried rice or noodles. Sushi also is served, including vegetable roll, California roll and shrimp tempura roll, all $3.65. Appetizers and salads include spring rolls (99 cents), Crab Rangoon ($2.45), dumplings ($3.45), miso soup ($1.50) seafood salad ($3.65) and house salad ($1.50). Udon, a n... 09/17/2008

The Greenville Independent Restaurant Association's third annual Wine Festival has been scheduled for 3-5 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Greenville Convention Center. The event, sponsored by Impressions Magazine, will feature samples of a wide variety of wines, heavy hors d'oeuvres provided by the Greenville Independent Restaurant Association and wine seminars. Tickets - $35 per person in advance and $45 on the day of the event - are available at the Convention Center box office or by calling 321-7671. Visit www.dinegreenville.com for more information. For homes in the Greenville/Pitt County visit my website www.greenvillehomesnow.com  09/15/2008

  You're buying more than just the house... Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you research the neighborhood. Know these facts about the neighborhood: Crime              Contact the local police department for crime statistics. Schools               Check the accreditation of local school districts to ensure children will thrive educationally. Safety              Drive by the property during the day and night, on a weekday and weekend night, to be sure you feel comfortable.   There's a fresh group of houses out there waiting for you! If you're in the market for a home please visit us at www.JesseAllenHomes.com     09/11/2008

LYNNCROFT CONDOMINUMS      Come live in Greenville's Newest condos! Lynncroft Condominums is in a excellent location off Evans Street in front of WNCT TV Station 9. Only 28 units will be built in this complex. The two and three bedroom units are available with two full baths, built-in microwave ,range, dishwasher, disposal, refrigerator, heat pump and air conditioning, private patio or deck. If location is everything in real estate then this is the place. Truly a stone's throw from Lowes Foods and some of Greenville's Best Shopping and Restaurants. For more info on Lyncroft Condo's visit:  www.JesseAllenHomes.com 09/08/2008

Coach Skip Holtz celebrates HUGE WIN over WVA (8) West Virginia 3, East Carolina 24 Proud to be a PIRATE!  Our group tailgates each and every game and have attended every home game since 2000.  Last weekend in Charlotte in front of 75,000 fans, we upset # 17 Virginia Tech (Hokies) and today we dominated #8 West Virginia in our home opener with an attendance over 43,600 - the 4th largest at Dowdy Ficklen Stadium..  I am SO proud to be a PIRATE.. "Where it is a First Down, Pirates!" ..Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggghhh Story follows: ______________________________________________________________________________________ GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Skip Holtz followed his biggest coaching victory at East Carolina with an even more impressive one. Jonathan Williams had two short touchdown runs, quarterba... 09/06/2008

Small town living does have it benefits, and a rural housing loan program may be one  of them. Rural Home Loan Features: No Down Payment No Mortgage insurance (PMI) Affordable interest rates Sales price and closing cost can be financed up to appraised value Seller may pay some of your closing cost Gift funds may be used to pay some of your closing cost Let our Team of experts assist you in finding the right home for your family.  If your considering a home in a rural community (outside city limits) contact us for a list of approved USDA homes. Contact us at: www.GreenvilleHomeTeam.com     09/05/2008

  As of August 28, 2008 - 11:00AM EDT Current Conditions Just as we have dodged the bullet of Tropical Storm Fay, Tropical Storm Gustav looks to make a run towards New Orleans next week.  We in Eastern NC too may be welcoming Hanna next week, if projected path maps are accurate.  The worst of a low pressure system has passed and Pitt County residents have a 50 percent chance of rain Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service. The county mostly escaped Wednesday's stormy weather, which produced a hazardous weather outlook and tornado watches for most of the east.  "I don't think we are going to see too much of a severe threat in the morning, especially in Pitt County," said Casey Dail, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Newport. Unofficial data s... 08/28/2008

  HOW TO ADVERTISE YOUR HOME SUCCESSFULLY The reason a listing agent is brought into the picture for someone selling their home is to be assured that their home is being marketed correctly in magazine ads, newspapers, and real estate listings. There are ways to advertise your home that have a much greater success rate then others. Learn some of the secrets of the trade so you will more intelligently be able to interact with your real estate agent and make sure they are using the best possible means to get your home sold quickly.We have sought out real estate experts to prepare a special report called, "ADVERTISING YOUR HOME". This report is a must if you are going to select the right agent, who is going to advertise your home in the most effective ways. To receive this report visit: www... 08/28/2008

  I created the Buyer's Preferred Service for buyers that are serious about finding a home. There is zero obligation for this service and no fee. Preferred Buyers are placed ahead of all my clients and given attention specifically focused on meeting their exact needs. Preferred Buyers Receive Completely Free: 1. Priority Listing Identification - We search local listings daily to find the home that fits exactly what you desire in a home. We will then email, fax or call you with the homes we find, depending on the method you desire. 2. One-On-One Personal Attention - I will make myself accessible so you can reach me at any time. Your calls will be taken as priority, no matter when you call. 3. Flexible Scheduling - I will open my schedule to ensure I can show you any desired home on your ... 08/28/2008

  A cloud that looks like a Guardian Angel as the morning sun rises Submitted to us by Ernie Harrison, a local Williamston NC native and a blog subscriber!  While our lives are often hectic, consumed by the life we live, please remember to take a minute or two each day to be thankful for the things we have.  Deryck Wilson, Broker, REALTORProud Member of Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty 08/27/2008

Drought Classification and Response Actions D4-Exceptional Drought The NCDMAC urgently advises all water users in the counties that are indicated on the US Drought Monitor Map of North Carolina as suffering from Exceptional Drought (D4) conditions to enact the following precautions in addition to previous advisories until further notice: All water users are advised to follow their Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP). An effective WSRP should adhere to the guidelines set forth by the water use rules during drought that became effective March 19, 2007. Water users without a written plan are advised to follow the applicable default water use reduction measures outlined in Section .0614 of the rules during exceptional drought designations. Limit water usage to those uses that are essential... 08/27/2008

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! Greenville Utilities Commission - Our Utilities Provider in Greenville NC GUC Current and Future Service Fees:      Prices          Current Effective Price Percent Service Fees 10/1/2008 Diff Increase           Water Service 3/4"  $   530.00  $1,345.00  $   815.00 154% Water Service 1" *  $   640.00  $3,440.00  $2,800.00 438% Water Service 1 1/2"  $1,600.00  $3,722.00  $2,122.00 133% Water Service 2"  $2,200.00  $5,071.00  $2,871.00 131% Sewer Service 4"  $   720.00  $1,305.00  $   585.00 81% Sewer Service 6" w 2" water meter  $1,900.00  $4,059.00  $2,159.00 114%   Minimum increase for single family home  $1,250.00  $2,650.00  $1,400.00 112%                     * New price for Tier 2 service which is service purchased majority of time.   GUC Service Fee Refunds:  GU... 08/27/2008

 Head Coach Skip Holtz GREENVILLE, N.C. - East Carolina University's Head Football Coach Skip Holtz, who has led the Pirates to two bowl appearances and consecutive winning seasons for the first time since the 1999 and 2000 campaigns, has agreed to tentative terms of a proposed contract that would help secure his position through the 2013 season according to an announcement from ECU Director of Athletics Terry Holland Tuesday. Specific details of the proposed six-year contract, which also includes a modified incentive and bonus structure, cannot be released until final approval by the East Carolina University Board of Trustees. Holtz became East Carolina's 19th head football coach in the school's history on Dec. 3, 2004 and quickly revived a program that had stumbled to just three wins ... 08/27/2008

 rhett butler/the daily reflector Marc Hamel, left, with the state Department of Transportation, talks with Greenville resident Cathy Campbell about the possibility of new railroad tracks as they look at a map during a meeting at the Eppes Recreation Center on Tuesday evening. Train blockage at Arlington Boulevard and Howell Street could be reduced by 85 percent if plans to change rail operations in Greenville go forward, a state Department of Transportation engineer said Tuesday. Transportation officials and consultants reviewed plans to streamline train travel through Greenville during a Tuesday afternoon citizen informational workshop at Eppes Recreation Center. The event brought out 17 citizens, elected leaders and local government staff members to inspect the preliminary proposals ... 08/27/2008

  Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty, located at 1516 SE Greenville Blvd in Greenville is a full service real estate company offering the most professional service, with the most comprehensive access to real estate in the area.  As a member of the Greenville-Pitt Association of REALTORS, Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty participates in the Multiple Listing Service(MLS) as well as Broker Reciprocity and that means you can access any property listed by any real estate company in the MLS. Our Sales Associates  are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all your real estate needs. Call (toll free 1-888-537-1403) to speak with one of our experienced Sales Associates today.Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation operates more than 3,200 Coldwell Banker Real Estate offices wor... 08/23/2008