Ocean Isle Beach July 4th Parade

Just some detail on the Ocean Isle Beach Independence Day parade sponsored by the Ocean Isle Beach Home Owner's Association.

The parade starts down second at 2:00PM this Sunday, July 5, 2009. Entrants should be at the Ocean Isle Beach Museum parking lot by 1:30pm.

There will be First Second and Third place awards for best decorated/costumed in ach of four categories :
(1) Golf Carts;
(2) Floats;
(3) Bicycles; and
(4) Walkers.

The expected parade route is as follows:
Exit Museum parking lot left (towards East end) on Second street. Turn right on Lagrange. Turn right on First Street (towards West end). Turn right on Halifax Street. Return to Museum Parking lot.

See you there-

July 4th Events at the Beach

There are several events scheduled in our area to celebrate the July 4th holiday. A few to consider include:

*The Town of Ocean Isle has an annual July 4th parade-it's a lot of fun to check out the decorated golf carts! This year's event will be held on Sunday, July 5th starting at 2 pm on the island.

*The Town of Calabash is hosting music and fireworks the night of the 3rd, starting at 7 pm down by its riverfront. The fireworks start at dark, approximately 9 pm.

*The Town of Southport is the site of North Carolina's official July 4th celebration. It's only a 30 minute drive from the island. The event includes a parade and fair during the day, and then fireworks down by the riverfront that night. If you go, plan to stay-this is a huge event-past years have had over 50,000 attend.

We hope you enjoy the holiday!

Ocean Isle Beach VIP Homes Well Received By Guests

We are in the 4th week of our VIP Home program on Ocean Isle Beach. Our guests have appreciated the fact that they can check –in at their home as early as 12:00 noon. This allows them the opportunity to get the children out of the car and on to the beach or pool. They will find a cooler filled with soft drinks when they arrive. We also provide our guests with some beach chairs to use during their stay.

I have had our guests tell me that it is as if they pick up another day of vacation by arriving early. The shopping is much easier without the crowds and you are settled in your vacation home hours before other vacationers. We have even made check-out simple. You just leave the keys on the counter when you depart. We even provide a daily newspaper so they can keep up with what’s going on in the world.

Many vacation homes are equipped with entertainment equipment that can challenge most adults. It is nice to have the attendant show you how to operate these systems so that they can enjoy them during their stay. The attendant will also share information about the island and surrounding area. Sunset Properties has launched the PERKS CLUB this year. This allows our guests to receive discounts from merchants, entertainment and eating establishments by simply showing their property key tag when purchasing or ordering. All this information and more will be provided be the attendant.

Last but not least, we now have an amenity that has been long in coming. Kid-Sitters is a fun place to drop off the children while you enjoy some adult time while vacationing. They can play Wii, Playstation, board games or watch a movie all while under the supervision of an adult.
It’s time to make that decision to take a vacation on Ocean Isle Beach.

Choose one of our VIP Homes and find out what it’s like to be treated to a first class vacation.

Steven W. Sharman
General Manager, Ocean Isle Beach

Island Real Estate

Real estate sales on Ocean Isle Beach are on par with last year's transaction volume. In the past six months 39 properties have gone under contract. Specifically, 26 single family homes and 14 condos. In the same period last year there were 40. The two properties types in highest demand are condos and canal homes.

So while it's back-to-basics, second or vacation homes have remained in demand. No doubt because of the simple joys of having a family vacation home and today's stellar buying environment of low rates and attractive pricing.

There are some really great buying opportunities here and would encourage you to consider making the investment for your family and getting in at what must be near, if not bottom.

I'm here and happy to help you in your consideration of real estate while on vacation. If your not interested in a discussion and would prefer to drive the island on your own, be sure to pick up a free listings sheet at the front door of Sunset Properties' Ocean Isle Beach office at 102 Causeway Dr. next to the Causeway Gourmet, Kid Sitters, & Madeline's Play House.


Diane Dalen
Broker In Charge
Sunset Properties
Ocean Isle Beach

Much Needed Alone Time

Coming to Ocean Isle Beach is always a special time for me and my family. This year's visit will go down as the best one yet. With the hustle and bustle of work, soccer games, chores around the house, Ocean Isle Beach has always been an escape from normal life. Spending a week with my wife and kids is a great time, but it can be stressful. Sometimes when we have these family vacations, we forget we are not used to spending 24/7 with our wife and kids, and they are certainly not used to spending so much time with Dad. We often feel let down when our time together just doesn't live up to the expectations.

This week, I discovered something I haven't experienced in such a long time, alone time with my wife. It was an escape from cell phones, soccer games, and the hassles of work. Kid-Sitters made it all possible. We are like most parents and have a hard time trusting others with our kids, and have always felt guilty leaving our kids with someone else while we enjoy ourselves. The combination of being away at Ocean Isle Beach and Kid-Sitters, I was able to just walk on the beach with my wife, have dinner, and relax on the balcony of our vacation rental home. I have forgotten how lovely my wife is and how much I need and cherish her. I've learned to take the time and re-kindle the flame that really never goes out, it just gets obstructed by life.

After our "night out" the rest of the vacation was truly a family blessing, and we left Ocean Isle Beach fulfilled. I thank Ocean Isle Beach, my family, and Kid-Sitters for the best vacation I ever had. Just remember to take the time to "smell the roses." You might be surprised to learn that "rose" lives in your home everyday, and I proudly call her my wife! Check out Kid-Sitters.... you, your wife, and kids will be glad you did!


Signed,

Ocean Isle Beach on my brain, and now in my heart

Be a VIP in Ocean Isle Beach This Summer!!

In the past week, Sunset Properties introduced their NEW VIP program for Ocean Isle Beach. With this premier program, guests will be able to check in at noon, instead of the traditional 3:30 check-in time. The house attendant for the vacation home will have a bedroom, bathroom, and refrigerator ready for the guest. Get changed and head to the beach, pool, or beat the crowds at the grocery store while the attendant cleans the rest of your home. We'll have a cooler stocked with cold soft drinks for you at arrival.

There are three beautiful beach homes participating in the VIP program this year. Belle Vista, 60 Steps to Paradise, and Another Blessing have joined forces to offer you the best of the best. They all come with amazing ocean views, private pools, and spacious interiors. Along with early check-in and a cooler that you can use throughout your vacation, you'll also have access to a few signature beach chairs and a daily newspaper (delivered to your door by 9:00 am). No need to check-out at the rental office, just leave your house keys on the kitchen counter.

A PERFECT vacation for the PREMIER vacationer. CLICK HERE for more details!


Written By: Jake Foutz - Marketing Supervisor, Sunset Properties

Amusement Park Reopens

Freestyle Music Park, just a 30 minute drive from the island, reopened on Memorial Day Weekend.

The park is rebranded from the former Hard Rock Park. Pricing has been reduced-daily tickets are $39.95, kid ticket prices for kids 3 to 9 at $29.95. Residents of the Carolinas are eligible for a $10 discount off the daily admission price through June 14th.

New rides have been added for the kids, and the same exciting roller coasters from last year's park remain. Park hours will be limited to afternoons and evenings during the week through much of June, so check the park's website for schedules before you head down for fun.