It has just become a tradition.  After we take the "good" picture..for New Years Day... We take the "Make a face picture"...You are seeing the later..   Don't know why this started...but after all the "say Cheese" commands...it just got funny and silly..   There for after, pork loin, blackeye peas, collards, sweet potatoes, rice and gravy, potato salad, corn bread, sweet tea, chocolate cake with maple syrup icing and yellow cake with chocolate fudge icing...  I guess we could be a bit silly.   Hope that you had a fun, family filled day as we did..   Happy New Year...   Ginger of Southport....   01/01/2015

Well to be in the South these days does not mean, mint julips on the veranda with warm balmy days.   \\It is cold.  We are just not used to this kind of weather.    Our Dock becons me but I can't get enough coats and scarves  on to go out and enjoy the sunset.   So I will just view from the warmth of the fireplace, inside...   Hope all is well with you.  Market is showing some signs of activity.    Finally!  Hope that is for you too.   My plan for 2015 is to pull out all the stops and do the best that I possibly can   Ginger of Southport   12/30/2014

  http://tour.circlepix.com/tour/blaze/?tourId=2394128&version=unbranded   Exquisite floor plan for this custom built prestigious brick home in St. James Plantation. This 4 bedroom, 4 bath offers NEW granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Large great room w/hardwood perfect for entertaining also enjoy the fireplace w/gas logs, 2 heatpumps, 3 large walk in closets, tank less water heater, interior blinds & plantation shutters. Large carolina room with pickled ceiling and lots of windows perfect for gatherings, just to enjoy or relax & watch nature. Master bedroom & bath have been freshly painted & master bath has been totally redone. Professionally landscaped nice wooded corner lot with natural surroundings in back w/an endless waterfall. Close to the Founders Club. Enjoy a... 12/30/2014

  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 Harper 800-346-7671   12/29/2014

  On the Day before Christmas, I experience a warm feeling from sitting at the Volnteer's Deck and addressing Christmas Cards to the 40 residence that live in our Dosher Nursing Center in Southport, North Carolina.   I am a volunteer at the Nursing Center and know many of the residences very well.  They are folks that have lived in our community for many years.  With Southport being a small community for about  4000 people, you get to know each other really well.   Many of these folks were the movers and shakers of years gone past. Some of these folks were mayors, councilmen, teachers, artists, writers etc.  They still offer so much to the community.   They are still active but have lots their partners and are not in a position to take care of themselves.   Being a small  community, su... 12/27/2014

  The tradition in the Harper Household is to have stockings for all in the family.  The children and grandchildren are always so excited to take down their stocking and see what goodies Santa filled it with.  There is always a penny in the toe of the stocking.  Do you put a penny in your stockings? These of course, we have fruit, candy and nuts.  Then there are a few items such as fingernail clippers, makeup, razors, trinkets and then a biggy such a a ring, necklace, cell phone, memory stick, etc.   Sometimes I run out of ideas for the adult children.  If you have some good ideas..please share with me for next Christmas. 12/27/2014

    WE have the most beautiful sunset over Beaver Dam Creek in Southport NC. 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.   Come and see for yourself gingerharper@seacoastrealty.com 12/18/2014

      Here it is! Last night, Jimmy and I made seven  batches of Peanut Brittle and one batch of Fabulous Fudge.  WE played at this for about 3 hours and enjoyed every minute of it.   Today we had our Annual Christmas Party and the office and I, of course, took Brittle and Fudge. It was a big hit with everyone.    On Thursday, Jimmy has his Christmas Party at his office and we will do the same there.    The Brittle is done in the microwave and very easy and I will gladly share if you let me know.    Fudge is an old family recipe that has been kept a secret.   I would really have to think hard to give that up.   Have a very Merry Christmas..   Ginger of Southport     12/16/2014

                The House looks amazing for the Christmas Holidays.    We have a lot of fun Dressing it for Christmas.  This house is the Norment House in Southport and was built in 1913, therefore a hundred and one year old structure.  Builders sure do not build them like they used to.  The house is solid as a rock.  The rooms are large and roomy with space to wonder around and enjoy privacy.   The history of the house is amazing with the different families that were raised in the home. I know some of the former owners and other that lived in the house over the years.  Many have been families of prominence in the community; mayors, council members, writers, doctors,  teachers and business folks.   Wanted to share  some of the holiday pictures with you.   Merry Christmas   Ginger of Sou... 12/16/2014

Finally Friday Again. Tomorrow we will go to the Coldwell Banker Annual Christmas Party in Wrightsville Beach.  Great Food and Dancing.  Great time to catch up with our agents in the different offices.   This week end for me is a time of renewal.  We will be enjoying the grandchildren and enjoying the coming oF WINTER.   Today the temps were in the 50's.   WINTER is on the way.   May spend some time on the oceanfront or on the dock watching the ibis or herons.  The fishing is good on the dock right now.  Flounder and puppy drum are on the menu with a few shrimp as appetizers.     Hope you have a great weekend as I plan to do.   Take care, Ginger Harper of Southport NC gingerharper@seacoastrealty.com   12/12/2014

Today has been a full day.  Worked hard all  week and have been successful in getting three of my listings sold and closed.. This has not been a great year in our area since we are a community of vacationers and retirees..   But...have worked hard and I am ready to put my feet up.   It is Thursday and late.  I think that I need to go home and read a bit. I have worked most of the day on Blogging and face book. What a treat.  I have sent messages to folks that I have not heard from in a long time.   Hope your day goes well.   Ginger Harper 12/11/2014

  St. James Plantation                                                           For the outdoor enthusiast St. James is situated in a prime location convenient to schools, local shopping, restaurants, entertainment, beaches and golf courses.  The Town of St. James offers its residents a friendly hometown ambiance and a carefree coastal lifestyle.  This upscale community resting against the Intracoastal Waterway offers its residents a marina, restaurants, 81 holes of golf with clubhouses, tennis and swimming complex with indoor/outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with an aerobics and yoga studio, plus sauna/steam and massage facilities.                                               Founders Clubhouse & Golf course in St. James  St. James also has a private beach club overlo... 12/11/2014

I am having an open house on Saturday at a Historic HOme in Southport.   WE will do everything that we can to have a successful open House and I will be having the home decorated for Christmas along with scrumptous ea   Since it is on Saturday from 11:30 to 2:30, I am hoping to have a good turn out.   Are Open Houses successful in your area?   You are the experts and I has hoped that you would share some of your ideas.  I want this to be the most successful Open Houses in the area. Thanks for sharing any tips or ideas. Ginger of Southport ~ North Carolina     12/11/2014

  Ginger Harper of Brunswick County Featured Listings Search Homes Website     605 NORTH ATLANTIC AVENUE     OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY , DEC. 13, 2014 11:30 TO 2:30   HISTORIC NORMENT HOUE ON  CORNER OF LEONARD AND ATLANTIC DELICIOUS CATERED REFERESHENTS SEE THE CHANGES IN THIS "HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HOME"         Oh, By The Way...I'm never too busy for your referrals!         http://www.ncrec.state.nc.us/pdf/brochures/WorkingwAgents-8.5x14.pdf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGO9KZKLjOY             12/11/2014

    Do you take time to smell the roses?  I have had the wonderful experience of spending time with my nine month old granddaughter, Marissa. We had such a great time pouring tea and eating snacks.  Then we had to dress the babies dolls and feel them.  WE loose precious time when we do not look around and see the beauty right under our noses.  Time that can never be made up. Smell the roses this weekend... Ginger of Southport 12/10/2014

  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 s... 12/09/2014

    Another beautiful day in Paradise! Sunny and warm.  I am enjoying this time of the year so very much.  It is quiet on our highways right now.  That will change in the next week or so.  Lots of famlies like to come to the beaches to enjoy a quiet relaxing Christmas Holiday.. Not much real estate activity going on right now but it is picking up soon, Hope it is going well for you. Take care, Ginger of Southport 12/09/2014

    Southport - Originally incorporated in 1792 as Smithville, its progressive citizens changed its name to Southport in 1887 in hopes of attracting a port. The port went further upstream to the City of Wilmington but this entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the City today. The historic charm of this community will captivate you as you walk under a canopy of 200 year old live oak trees, or walk past majestic Victorian century homes which once belonged to river pilots or maybe even a pirate or two. Southport is one of few Cities with a true downtown. Banks, antique & collectible shops, restaurants, and professional offices line about a five block area in the downtown commercial district. Just outside this district is one of the finest medical care facilities in our region, J.A. ... 12/08/2014

             Our company is getting ready to do an Open House Extravaganza January 18 and 19th. I am trying to come up with some very unusual ideas that will set my properties apart and draw more attention. You are the experts and I has hoped that you would share some of your ideas.  I want this to be the most successful Open Houses in the area. I have one Beautiful home in St. James Golfing community that has all of the Bells and whistles...Very few showing at this point.  Hints and Ideas please.   Thanks for sharing any tips or ideas. Ginger of Southport ~ North Carolina 12/06/2014

             A great day today.  I had a listing appointment yesterday morning and another one yesteday afternoon.  Took one for sure and think that I will get the next one in a day or so..  And guess what!  Got another one this afternoon and another one on Thursday. Seems like our sellers are wanted to do the right thing and price their property as it should be priced. It's a GREAT DAY at COLDWELL BANKER SEA COAST REALTY in SOUTHPORT, North Carolina.   With warmest regards,   Ginger Harper 12/06/2014