I wanted to run this by you all  to see how you feel about it. An agent in our area, is having Open Houses and this is how it works. He will have 4 houses Open and the requirement is that you go into the houses with your lock box and leave your card on the counter. This Open house will go on for 4 hours.....say from 10 to 2.  After that time, he will  draw 4 cards from the agents that went to preview the house and give away $100, $50, and 4 $25 gift cards. Would that go well in your area? It is working here.. Ginger of Southport 07/21/2015

The Front Porch.  Tomorrw there will be at least 50 people enjoying the Entertainment and the Food.There is NOTHING like the 4th of July in Southport NC.The waterfront...Our view from the porch.. Naturalization Ceremony in Southport on the Waterfront. Our Home Decked out for the 4th of July.  This is also Big Jim's home in"Under the Dome".... Looking out from the Front Porch.. The festivities have started.There are bands playing on the waterfront..as we speak.  They are bands from all over.Have you ever heard of the Embers?  They will be here for the fireworks on the 4th.The park is set up with crafts from all over.  They folks are showing their finest.  You can get some really great buys in the park.Wish you were here...come if you can.Ginger of Southport 07/03/2015

                This is a great time  in the lives of the Harper, Tuttle, Hollingsworth, Mote, Gouger family lives.   This is the 4th of July in the small town of Southport,  North Carolina.  We are the official parade for our State. There is entertainment...games, music,  crafts, You Name It...We Have it.. Parade in on the 5th...so if you have thought about coming...down to see the festivities...Do that.. Go to our website of:  http://www.NC4thofjuly.com and join the fun..   With warm regards,   Ginger of Southport.. 07/03/2015

 The festivities have started.There are bands playing on the waterfront..as we speak.  They are bands from all over.Have you ever heard of the Embers?  They will be here for the fireworks on the 4th.The park is set up with crafts from all over.  They folks are showing their finest.  You can get some really great buys in the park.Wish you were here...come if you can.Ginger of Southport 07/03/2015

AMAZING...absolutely AMAZING!!  The "Miracles" of Computers!! The painting itself is great but as you run your curser over the people it tells you who they are ...BUT .... (click on a person) and you obtain their life history. Fascinating!........................ CLICK HERE   This was too good not to share.  I was amazed.. You can learn so much about these individuals.   So many people and so much to learn..I thought this was just such a great opportunity and I hope that you find the  same.. Take care and EnjoyGinger of Southport 07/03/2015

Meaning  of Flag Draped Coffin   All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our "GOD GIVEN" rights and freedomsI  hope you take the time to read this ... To understand  what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is  how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is  surrendered to so many widows and  widowers.   Do  you know that at military funerals,  the 21-gun  salute stands for the sum of the numbers  in the year 1776? 06/19/2015

       WE have the most beautiful sunset over Beaver Dam Creek in Southport NC.The Grandchildren came over and tried their luck at fishing.  As you can see...one small croaker will be on the menu tomorrow..We enjoy the Ibis, Herons, Cranes, and gulls on the end of the dock.  We have kayaks in the water to scoot around in the creek.  What a glorious place to live.When we get tired of that, we go and walk on the ocean.  Our beaches are still undeserted and we can enjoy the shore with all of the living things that live there.The Fall is the best time  of the year for me..   06/18/2015

One of the biggest things that we are faced with still in our area, is the dreams of what was going on in 2004 and  2005.  That day is gone.What we have to do as a Realtor and as a professional is to educate our buyers as to TODAY'S Market.  We all sold properties in 2005 that we are having to sell for half of what they sold during the HayDAys!When I have a seller  to call me and say that they bought in 2005 and HAVE to SELL  right a way..I just cringe.Who knew?  This is a nationwide happening, not a local problem.We have to be honest with our sellers and give them the facts.  And hopefully we will be able to relieve some of their pain. Ginger of Southport. 06/18/2015

 Today we had rain again.  Luckily we planted our seeds this past weekend and then the rain came. We had laid the garden out for the butter beans, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and cucumbers.   Then as an added bonus, Jimmy put in giant sunflowers to brighten the garden.We will  enjoy fresh cucumbers and tomatoes for the 4th of July.With you were here.Ginger of Southport 06/09/2015

      Remarks This quaint historic home is cute as a button. Great location on North Atlantic Avenue. Home offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath with a breakfast area and roomy kitchen. Enjoying relaxing on your front porch with a good book or cup of coffee. You are a short walk to the beautiful Cape Fear River, shops, restaurants, park, library and the hospital. Seller is offering a 2-10 Home Warranty! This would make a great starter home or your own place in the lovely Southport. Great location for the 4th of July parade and walk to see the fireworks. Call today to see this cutie! Pictures (22) Picture Map   1 of 22 Pictures Picture Map Enlarge Map        Picture Map Print                   Agent Ginger Harper    Local:910-798-1079 Addle Ofc:800-346-7671 Cellular:910-470-6713   Office Coldwell Ba... 06/09/2015

    Remarks This home has it ALL! This immaculate well kept home is located in the quiet community of Seaspray Cove. Open & spacious living area w/gas fireplace, being sold furnished as viewed, cathedral ceiling, kitchen with breakfast area, bay windows, appliances & kitchen bar. Home features a split floor plan w/3 bedrooms, 2 baths including a bonus room w/closet over the 2 car garage that could be 4th bedroom. Master bedroom offers cathedral ceiling w/bay windows, master bath w/double vanities, oversized walk in shower & closet. Extra storage area. Low maintenance inside & out. Large back yard with patio area great for grilling w/family & friends. Tax records show 1559 sq. ft. Seaspray Cove offers lawn maintenance as part of their neighborhood HOA dues plus lot has irrigation system... 06/09/2015

It is rainy today and I know that is good for our area.  WE are in much need of rain.There are some folks out looking around.  This is a wonderful place and I likecalling Southport my home.This month is moving right along. Much to do still With warm regards, Ginger of Southport 06/08/2015

 We ate Pepper and Squash today for Dinner from the Garden.  It is so rewarding to grow vegetables from the garden and fix a meal that is so delicious.Today we had rain again.  Luckily we planted our seeds this past weekend and then the rain came. We had laid the garden out for the butter beans, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and cucumbers.   Then as an added bonus, Jimmy put in giant sunflowers to brighten the garden. For an additional suprised for me..He also planted two fig trees.  WE love Fig Preserves.. We will  enjoy fresh cucumbers and tomatoes for the 4th of July.  Wish you were here.  06/07/2015

   Listing #692238 $465,000 (LP) 110 N Atlantic Ave,Southport, NC  28461-3902*   Active (04/20/15)  Bed: 3* Baths: 2 (2 0) (FH)* Sq Ft: 1801 Lot Sz: 0.0900 MLS Areas: Southp Yr: 1889 Subdivision Name: None   List Price per Sq Ft: 258.19   Stipulation of Sale: NONE     Remarks In the heart of Southport & 1.5 blocks to the beautiful waterfront of the Cape Fear River. Welcome to The Mary C. Davis house, circa 1889. This HISTORIC jewel offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths (1) with claw foot tub, 2 fireplace w/gas logs, signature Southport bows, original heart pine floors, ceramic tile flooring & beautiful new kitchen w/under cabinet lighting & hand painted ceramic tile backsplash. Large laundry room w/utility sink, hurricane shutters & low maintenance yard. Rocking chair double porches to enjoy watch... 06/05/2015

This is such a great idea and everyone can do this.YOu get this great feeling in your heart when you do something for someone else and it is not expected.It can be as simple as letting a car get in line that is stuck on a side road; smiling a someone with a frown on their face; letting someone get in line in front of you when they have only one or two items and you have a basketfull; I sit in the evenings and make afgans for the folks in our local Nursing Center,  I make up to 50 a year.  They are simple and made to fit someone in a wheelchair. They are simple to make and only take about a week to make.  When finished, I will go down the hall and find someone that does not have much in their room.    I will greet them and tell them that I made this just for them.     They will say to me... 06/04/2015

My advice to new agents is to join networking groups. Join as many as you possibly can.   It's a good way to get others to work for you.   When YOU have the listing..you have every agent that is a Buyers agent needing what YOU are providing.   Now you have to work for others out there also but they are in all different aspect in the of the professional work force.  Get your name out there. with your listings....... people can't  buy what they can't see and don't know about.  There are so many more ideas and suggestions but I also want to see what others have to say about getting Listings.. I need some fresh ideas.  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.. Have a Wonderful Day. Ginger of Southport   http://www.GingerHarper.com                06/04/2015

 I have been fortunate enough to work face to face with sellers today.  I had listed one of their lots and they were going to take it off the market.  I did some research for them and suggested that they leave that lot on the market...because it can't sell if no one knows it is for sale..They then asked to see if I would list one of their other lots.  They are excited to sell and we priced it at the lowest price in the community.There is stuff happening...Thanks,Ginger Harper800-346-7671 06/03/2015

 This has been a challenging Blog for me but I have enjoyed doing it. I have been a mentor to Mike Burton who is new in the business.  I have been with him on listing appointments and helped him get his first Listing. I introduced him to Open Houses and He has held 2 for me thus far.  He has been working with 9 buyers as a result of these open Houses.. Tomorrow I will go with him to do the measuring of the new Listing.  I will also coach him in taking the pictures for the new listing and helping him to do a video. This has been a lot of fun and I have enjoyed teaching him some of the things that Years  of experience has given me. Mike is going to do well....  05/31/2015

 This is a wonderful view of the Waterfront in Southport. This is where the filming of "Safe Haven" took place. WE are getting used to all of the Actors and Actressess coming to our quaint fishing village and making Movie that all enjoy. WE actually have shrimpers and fishermen to use Southport as a home base for their industry.  Late in the afternoons you can go to the docks and pick up fresh seafood for Dinner.  Then you can pop on over to the Ocean for a quick dip in  the water.  Cool and refreshing swim before you lay out and catch some rays.   Be careful and make sure you use some SunScreen.  The Suns Rays are intense here.  You may want to even catch your own Dinner in one of the many Tidal Creeks.  This Creek just happens to be in our back yard and we spend many an afternoon with... 05/31/2015

 I have juse sent an email out to my listing because we have the 4th of July Tab that will be printed in the next 3 weeks. This Tab has a shelf life of about 3 months and will be in the resturants, grocery stores, novely stores etc.  So we get right much Bang for our Bucks on this one. I have learned through past experience, these 2 truths. 1.  If you have a property listed for sale and you have showings but NO offers, the your property is 5% over priced! 2.  If you have a property listed for sale and you have NO showings, then your property is 10% over priced! This keeps holding true, on and on and on until you get to the price that the property will sell for.  The buyer dictates the Market.  Do you have a guide of some sort like this in your marketplace? AS a result of the email I sen... 05/31/2015