Of all the many oceanfront condominium communities in North Carolina, the vast majority are more than 25 years old. Of those located along the Crystal Coast, except for a couple of small buildings, all were built prior to 1985. Those other aging condos were built in accordance to the construction codes, wind codes and storm codes of the 1980s, mostly using problematic all-wood frame construction that often entails costly upkeep.

Grande Villas on the other hand is essentially a brand-new building, granting buyers peace of mind regarding maintenance issues. Our building is constructed of concrete and steel as opposed to wood, conforming to the top modern standards of maintenance-free construction and energy efficiency.

This sets us apart for numerous reasons, most importantly in the appearance and design of Grande Villas. Buyers are less likely to need to replace the carpet, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures since our units reflect current popular trends in furnishings. New owners can easily move in and enjoy without investing time and money in redecorating and upfits.

While it’s possible a newer condominium project may be developed on a few select available oceanfront sites, any new developments would be years from completion. For now, Grande Villas is the one and only choice for new condominium living on the North Carolina coast – and now is the best time to be part of our unique community.

With current developer-discounted pricing, starting at $499,000, historically low interest rates, and our dwindling available inventory of condominiums make now the time to explore possible ownership opportunities at Grande Villas.

To learn more about our available inventory or current pricing and incentives please contact us today at 877.845.4438 or sales@gvcondos.com.

P.S. Don’t forget to ask about our 3-day/2-night Stay and Play Excursion for only $175*!

*Price is based on a two-bedroom residence. Actual value is $1,000. Advance reservations are required as well as an exclusive tour of Grande Villas. Rate subject to change and availability.

The seasonally adjusted index increased 2% month-over-month to 97 from a downwardly revised 95.1 in December. Signed contracts also jumped 8% over the year-earlier reading of 89.8.

The trade group’s index marked its highest point since a 111.3 reading in April 2010, also the last time it topped 100.

Analysts polled by Econoday predicted 1.5% monthly growth, with a consensus range between a 1.1% drop and a 3% increase.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said job growth and rising rental rates “are hopefully pushing the market into what appears to be a sustained housing recovery,” despite wavering in the pending home sales. The index dipped in December from 96.9 in November.

“If and when credit availability conditions return to normal, home sales will likely get a 15% boost, speed up the home-price recovery, and thereby significantly reduce the number of homeowners who are underwater,” Yun said in a release.

Pending sales grew 7.7% and 7.6% in January month-over-month in the South and Northeast, respectively, while West and Midwest sales fell 4.4% and 3.8%. All four regions, however, saw signed contracts increase from a year earlier, from 10.8% in the Midwest to 0.7% in the West. Click here for Pending Home Sales Index Chart.

In January, home sales hit a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.57 million units, compared to a pace of 4.38 million units in December and 4.54 million units in the year-ago period.

As sales increased, inventory levels declined 0.4% from December with only 2.31 million existing homes on the market last month, representing a 6.1-month supply, down from the December inventory hold rate of 6.4 months.

“The broad inventory condition can be described as moving into a rough balance, not favoring buyers or sellers,” said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR. “Foreclosure sales are moving swiftly with ready homebuyers and investors competing in nearly all markets. A government proposal to turn bank-owned properties into rentals on a large scale does not appear to be needed at this time.”

NAR said buying power — driven by lower prices and cheap interest rates — are pulling more buyers into the market, creating a dose of optimism before the spring homebuying season.

NAR remains cautiously optimistic as the real estate industry heads into the warm-weather selling season.

Meanwhile, sales prices are down 2% from January 2011, with the median existing home-price hitting $154,700 last month. Distressed homes made up of short sales and foreclosures accounted for 35% of January sales, up from 32% in December.

NAR also highlighted the role of investors, with investment-related buyers purchasing 23% of homes sold in January. That’s up from 21% in December.

First-time homebuyer activity also rose to 33% of all activity, compared to 29% a year ago and 31% in December, NAR said.

The 1,386 square-foot property also boasts over 200 square feet of terrace space. This condominium is distinctive as only one of 13 in the entire building to offer its owners direct access from their unit down to the oceanfront pool and beach located just steps away, making it very convenient for those with children or pets. Ownership also allows access to all of Grande Villas’ amenities including the Osprey Club Lounge, the Galley Poolside Grill, the Health and Fitness Center, Sports and Games Lounge, Spinnaker’s Kids’ Club and Splash Pool, Bark Park, and the Outdoor Fire Pit.

Grande Villas continues to be the top selling condominium community along the Crystal Coast due to our great location, quality construction, and incredible pricing incentives.

Please contact us today at 877.845.4438 or sales@gvcondos.com for further information or to arrange for your personal tour of Grande Villas.

Be the host or hostess with the mostest – and serve a selection of fancy hors d’oeuvre style desserts. These tiny mouthfuls of holiday goodness spread the cheer to younger guests, non-drinkers and designated drivers at your party, and they’re small enough that even calorie-conscious New Year’s dieters can indulge. Possibilities for homemade miniature treats include:

* Bite-sized crème brulee – the rich, creamy, crunchy custard you love, poured into elegant spoons.
* Dark chocolate mousse – a decadent batch of mousse, served in shot glasses.
* Mini cheesecake – use small molds and top with a fresh raspberry.
* Fresh bites of tropical fruits – pineapple, mango, and passionfruit snap with color.
* Cake pops – tiny bites of cake on lollipop sticks, covered in frosting and sprinkles.
* Banana split bites – a slice of banana dipped in chocolate, with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top!

You can complement your delightful desserts with creative mixed drinks like these:

* The Winter Solstice – vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice and club soda, garnished with mint leaves and raspberries.
* The Polar Bear Shooter – white crème de cacao, peppermint schnapps.
* The Midnight Martini – stay up ’til the ball drops with vodka, coffee liqueur, and a lemon twist.
* The Resolution Martini – gin, apricot brandy and lemon juice.
* The Countdown Cocktail – gin, blood orange juice, Angostura bitters.

For the wine snobs in your circle, feature Pinot Gris, a white wine with flavors ranging from melon to pear and even citrus. Pinot Gris has a smooth texture, with silky overtones that please the palate and go well with dessert.

Don’t forget, you can book the Lobby Lounge for all your gatherings. And, you may want to round out your night at the Outdoor Fire Pit. Happy 2012 from Grande Villas!

How sweet was your New Year’s celebration? Share it with your friends and neighbors in the comment section.

Christmas at the Beach Shows
The Morehead Center is featuring Christmas at the Beach evening and matinee shows from Saturday, November 26 through December 18. Christmas at the Beach features songs, music, and dance of the season – all of your holiday favorites! Enjoy Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, great dancers, and timeless music.  Adult tickets are $15 and children 16 and under are $10. Find out more at www.themoreheadcenter.com or by calling 252-726-1501.

Downtown Morehead City ArtWalk
View, buy and even help make art – during the Downtown Morehead City Christmas ArtWalk on Friday, December 2 from 4 PM to 8 PM. Start the journey by picking up a map at the Train Station. Then, bid on Silent Night Silent Auction items, participate in the painting of a Living Art community mural, view art on exhibit, and listen to local entertainers. Guided tours are available. For more information, contact the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association at 252-808-0440 or email dmcra2@embarqmail.com.

Holiday Flotilla
Nothing compares to the beauty of twinkling lights on the water. Come to the Holiday Flotilla on Saturday, December 3 and see decorated boats follow a course from the Morehead City waterfront to Beaufort. The parade launches in Morehead City at 5:30 PM and arrives in Beaufort around 6:15 PM. An awards ceremony follows in the NC Maritime Museum Auditorium. The NC Maritime Museum is located at 315 Front Street in Beaufort. For more information, call 252-728-7317.

“Musical Moods” – A Christmas Gala
The Friends of Atlantic House hosts “Musical Moods,” a Christmas gala and silent auction benefit, from 5:30 PM to 9 PM on Saturday, December 3 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. Tickets are $50 and include dinner, music, and a guest speaker. The Civic Center is located at 3505 Arendell Street. Call Glenda Self at 252-648-8505 or 515-4869 for more information on the event.

Santa by the Sea
Experience one of the highlights of the season at Santa by the Sea on Friday, December 9 at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, 6:30 PM to 9 PM. Let your children share their secret Christmas wish lists with old St. Nick! The Living Shipwreck is a perfect backdrop to snap your child’s photo with Santa – and each child under 12 receives a free 5″x7″ photo from FotoFX. The night also includes craft making, stories read by Ms. Claus, elves, and an appearance by Rudolph the Reindeer. Admission is $9 per person. Visit www.ncaquariums.com or call 252-247-4003 for more information.

Morehead City Christmas Parade
Food, floats, and fun – at the Morehead City Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 10! The parade starts at 11 AM. Get more information at www.downtownmoreheadcity.com or by calling 252-808-0440.

Historic Beaufort Candlelight Tour of Homes
See beautiful Beaufort homes dressed in their holiday best on the Candlelight Tour of Homes, 5 PM to 7 PM on Saturday, December 10. Stroll the streets of the delightful historic district and enjoy gorgeous decorations and sparkling lights. Tickets are $10. For more information, call 252-728-5225 or visit http://www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

There are so many holiday happenings, we can’t keep track of them all. So make sure to share your recommendations in the comments!

1. See the light.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Although the per unit cost is higher, compact fluorescent light bulbs last approximately ten times longer and consume far less energy. Over its lifetime, a compact fluorescent bulb can save around $30-$40 in electricity costs.

2. Be a star.
Select ENERGY STAR rated appliances. Refrigerators, the biggest energy-consumers of all major household appliances, use a minimum of 20% less energy when ENERGY STAR approved. Clothes washers with ENERGY STAR certification use less energy and less than half the amount of water.

3. Set your dial.
Keep in mind that even minor variances in thermostat settings can make a significant impact on energy use. Adjusting your condo’s temperature just two degrees cooler in the winter and two degrees warmer in the summer can add up to major savings. A programmable thermostat enables you to specify the times when the air conditioning or heat turns on and off, which is an important concern if you leave your condo unoccupied for long periods.

4. Fix the phantoms.
Many electronic devices such as computers, televisions and stereo equipment continue to draw power even while switched off. These “phantom loads” can account for as much as 75% of the total electricity these electronics use. You can save energy by simply unplugging devices when not in use, but it’s more convenient to use “smart” power strips that detect inactive devices and automatically shut off the electricity drain until it’s needed.

5. Use water smarter.
Besides home heating and cooling, water heating is the next largest category of energy use in the typical home. Using an ENERGY STAR water heater and keeping it set to 120 degrees can create significant energy savings. Conserving water itself is also important for the environment, and installing smart showerheads, running only full loads in the clothes washer and dishwasher, and switching to low-flush or dual-flush toilets can all contribute to making a difference in the volume of water used in your condo.

For more tips and advice on keeping your condo green, visit the Alliance to Save Energy or the ENERGY STAR website. You’re also encouraged to check with the Grande Villas Homeowners Services Team for their advice and assistance.