I’m going to stray off the reservation a bit with this post. I’m going to focus on neuroscience!
Wait, wait, wait…don’t turn the channel. I think you’ll dig this.
It’s actually not much of a stray. Neuroscience and the Outer Banks?! I know, seems strange, but there may actually be a very strong connection. In the end, if you can stick with me through the build-up, I think you’ll see that the focus of the post is actually close to the heart of all OBX lovers.
In December, I came across an interesting article in Outsidemagazine that caught my interest. The article is probably the best overview that I could give of these ideas, so I won’t try to recreate the whole story. I’ll give a quick intro, but the article is well worth a full read.
The subject of the article (the cover story, by the way) is a PHD biologist, Wallace “J” Nichols. J has a specialty with sea turtles, but he has recently adjusted his focus to studying the neuroscience behind the positive effects the ocean has on everyone that comes into contact with it.
The basic gist of the message is that the ocean can make us (all) happy – and there is MIT caliber neuroscience that can help prove this theory.
Hmmm. Well, that seems to make immediate intuitive sense to me. As I mentioned in my story of Outer Banks Everyday Magic, I spent a few years of my life moving from place to place on the hunt for something, and it turned out that “something” was a need to be at the ocean, a need to be in the water, preferably surfing, as much as I possibly could. And I can’t think of a better place to fill this need than the Outer Banks.
And my guess is that the Blue Mind ideas make intuitive sense to just about all of the vacationers that save all year, and spend hours in the car driving, to enjoy their Outer Banks beach vacation. Those sacrifices are made because the Outer Banks fills us with joy. At the most basic level, the beach and the ocean make us happier, and in turn healthier, people.
We love the ocean, the beach, the waves, the wildlife, and everything that makes the OBX so special. We cross that bridge, smell the fresh salt air, catch our first glimpse of the ocean, and our happiness neurons are activated!
But if it makes such basic, intuitive sense, how can this be “cutting edge” science? It seems obvious.
But maybe it’s the obvious parts of our lives that go unnoticed for so long.
This is “cutting edge” science because J is the first person to bring this theory forward, and amazingly, he is having trouble getting people to jump at the opportunity to fund research to prove the theories.
After reading the article, I contacted J and had a chance to talk with him at length. J spent some of his schooling atthe Duke Marine Lab and loves the Outer Banks. We hit it off immediately.
After our initial conversation, J and I have stayed in contact with one another, and we have been discussing some very cool ideas focused on the Outer Banks. Stayed tuned for more awesomeness to come.
The OBX has such a strong connection to the Blue Mind ideas that I feel obligated by every fiber of my ocean-loving being to help J spread this message.
I’ve been digesting this information since December, so I’ll stop rambling and let you catch up….in a minute. Below are a few links I’ll share for further info, and here’s a quick synopsis:
The ocean is the largest feature on planet Earth.
Our brain is the most powerful and complex “computer” we know of.
Imagine the possibilities when we leverage that Blue Mind connection.
A happier, healthier world that does everything in its power to conserve the resources that make us happy and healthy…what an amazing feedback loop!
Let’s start the Blue Mind revolution right here on the Outer Banks. Who’s with me?!
One last thing before I turn you loose on the super rad links below. It is probably pretty clear by this post that I’m passionate about these ideas and believe whole-heartedly in the message. Well, that passion does not stop with me. It translates all the way through Seaside Vacations. As a company, we are happy to help make 2012 the start of the Blue Mind revolution on the OBX. Stayed tuned for more great Blue Mind info, but to start, we are putting our money where our mouth is.
As part of his Blue Mind message, J has started www.BlueMarbles.org, which is a fun way to promote the ideas by sharing Blue Marbles – the Earth looks like a blue marble from space…there’s a whole lotta ocean on this planet! The blue marbles help to draw people’s awareness, and gratitude, towards the oceans.
All 2012 reservations with Seaside Vacations will be receiving one of J’s Blue Marbles at check-in to help spread the message and give us all a small reminder to be mindful of the amazing world we live in.
Spread the message, and let’s make 2012 the beginning of the Blue Mind revolution on the OBX.
J ends his emails with this simple phrase, and it seems very fitting now – “Live like you love the ocean.”
Here are three pieces of media that will give you a good overview of the Blue Mind ideas:
Here’s a video that Nautica created discussing J and his Blue Mind ideas
Blue Marbles – great way to spread the Blue Mind message
The main economic driver on the Outer Banks is real estate. Yet, the OBX does not have an in-depth report analyzing the full spectrum of real estate on the Outer Banks – residential & commercial sales, distressed properties (foreclosures & bank-owned), and current vacation rental trends.
To meet this need for a detailed analysis of the current Outer Banks real estate market, including the often ignored but incredibly important vacation rental market, we have created the monthly “Seaside Report.”
We have combined the forces of both sides of our business – Outer Banks real estate sales with Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty & OBX vacation rentals with Seaside Vacations – to bring you the first report to offer a comprehensive view of the OBX real estate market – real estate sales & vacation rentals.
Please keep in mind that there is a lag time between “real time” and data collection/reporting. As a result, the information will be as close to “real time” as possible, but the data will be based in the past by a couple weeks at least. I will indicate the corresponding date/timeliness for each section of data.
As always, we appreciate your input, and we encourage you to leave your comments below. We are happy to address any questions you may have, and we are always interested in suggestions for improvement.
2012 is off to a great start for Outer Banks real estate. January is typically a slow period for real estate, but the OBX market has been anything but slow in January 2012.
The total number of sales in January was up 17% over January 2011.
Under Contracts were up by 38% from January 2011.
January sales ran the gamut from $20k (land) to $1.6 million (KDH oceanfront).
YTD Sales Residential
Up 13% (94 units vs 83 units)
Land – Up 13% (17 units vs 15 units)
Commercial – up 100% (2 units vs 1 unit)
YTD Under Contract
Residential – Up 32% (144 units vs 109 units)
Land – Up 43% (33 units vs 23 units)
Commercial – Up 500% (6 units vs 1 unit)
Distressed Sales: (Distressed = Bank Owned and Short Sales) Of the 347 new listings in January, 22 were potential short sales & 42 were bank owned. Sold distressed sales data for the month:
Total Sold
Bank Owned
Short Sale
% Distressed
January
113
20
16
32%
4th Quarter 2011 OBX MLS Data
Summary – Overall, 2011 ended on a flat note with total sales down by approximately 1% and under contract listings down by 1%. However, there has been a notable decline in the median sale price of single family homes and condos. When comparing the yearly median sale prices there has been a 6 % decline in the price for single family homes and a 10% decline in the price for condominiums. Additionally, when looking at the 5 year trend in median sales prices there has been a 24% decline in single family home prices and a 41% decline in condominiums.
Median Sales Price
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Single Family Homes
$416,833
$383,599
$352,607
$319,500
$334,795
$316,269
Percent Change
-10%
-8%
-8%
-9%
5%
-6%
Condos
$335,642
$278,291
$325,260
$278,252
$218,031
$195,968
Percent Change
8%
-17%
17%
-22%
-22%
-10%
2011 Sales End-of-Year Breakdown
Residential: Down 3% (1315 units vs. 1374 units)
Land: Up 15% (323 units vs. 282 units)
Commercial: Up 92% (25 units vs. 13 units)
Year-End Sale Price Range: The best selling residential properties fell into the $200K to $299K range.
Price Range
$0 – 99K
$100 – 199K
$200 – 299K
$300 – 399K
$400 – 499K
$500 – 599K
$600 – 699K
$800 – 999K
> $1M
Units Sold
81
302
328
219
117
88
88
49
55
Average Days on Market
168
191
208
267
270
264
260
302
308
Inventory: The majority of the current active residential listings fall in the following price ranges:
Price Range
Number of Listings
Price Range
Number of Listings
$1 – $99,999K
73
$600K – $699K
109
$100K – $199K
230
$700K – $799K
51
$200 – $299K
330
$800K – $899K
58
$300K – $399K
324
$900K – $999K
38
$400K – $499K
217
> $1M
121
$500K – $599K
173
Distressed Property (Residential): Distressed = Bank Owned and Short Sales
Distressed property currently makes up 14% of the active inventory in the MLS and the sale of distressed property accounts for 31% of all residential property sales. Overall, the sale of properties listed as short sales rose 27% and the sale of bank owned properties declined 22%; however, total distressed property sales were down by 8% from 2010.
Single Family Homes, January 1 – December 31, 2011
Duck continues to have the lowest percentage of distressed property sales, ending the year with a total of 22%
Hatteras Island has the largest percentage of distressed property sales with 55% of all sold single family homes being either bank owned or short sales
Although the Outer Banks had a slight decrease in single family homes sold for 2011 (1159 vs. 1193) the amount of sales over $1 million dollars increased. There were 46 homes sold for over $1 million this year compared with 39 last year. Of the 46 sold, 9 homes sold for over $2 Million (compared to 4 in 2010)
Distressed sales accounted for 37% of all residential (single family & condos) sales in 2011, which was the same as the previous year.
This graph demonstrates the average number of days between booking and check-in date. This graph is summarized by month of booking, rather than month of stay.
For example, the reservations made at this time of year are about 170 days in advance of their check-in date. The takeaway message is that guests should book early for summer months in order to reserve the most desirable homes and weeks – about 170 days in advance at this time of year.
Seaside Report: Average Booking Window - January 2012
Seaside Report: Average Booking Window - YoY Variance - January 2012
Average Length of Stay Legend: 2011; 2012
The Length of Stay graph illustrates the average number of days between check-in date and check-out date of reservations, summarized by check-in month.
As would be expected for the Outer Banks, the average stay is seven days + for the summer months and varies in the shoulder season. A strong takeaway here is that full weeks are a must for the summer months, but Spring and Fall offer great opportunities for shorter stays and discounted rates, while maintaining the great benefits of gorgeous weather, empty beaches, and ample attractions and activities.
Seaside Report: Average Length of Stay - January 2012
Seaside Report: Average Length of Stay - YoY Variance - January 2012
Average Stay Value Legend: 2011; 2012
The Stay Value graph illustrates the average revenue actualized or projected for reservations, summarized by check-in month.
The clear message with this graph is that demand is high and supply is low during the summer months, and as a result, prices are driven higher during the summer months. As mentioned above, Spring and Fall offer great opportunities for shorter stays and discounted rates, while maintaining the great benefits of gorgeous weather, empty beaches, and ample attractions and activities.
Seaside Report: Average Stay Value - January 2012
Seaside Report: Average Stay Value - YoY Variance - January 2011
Bookings Legend: 2011; 2012
The Bookings graph illustrates the number of reservations actualized or on the books, summarized by check-in month. This graph gives a good view of the “strength” of the reservations over the previous year. Reservations are up, which indicates that early reservations are wise and prices should remain constant. Although, at this point, July is slightly under-performing in comparison to 2011. This will be a trend to keep an eye on.
Seaside Report: Bookings - January 2012
Seaside Report: Bookings - YoY Variance - January 2012
Outer Banks: 2.14.12 - Valentine's Day in Kitty Hawk
Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
This video was shot at the Lillian St. beach access in Kitty Hawk at 9:00 AM.
Happy Valentine’s Day. Much love from your friends in the OBX.
Clouds, 50, and a light offshore breeze out of the southwest at 5 mph today. It feels nice to have the temps climb back up after a couple chilly days. We should hit 60 by Thursday. A couple spots of rain this week, but for the most part it’s a great week if weather at the beach.
No surf to report. I love walking out to great surf rolling in, but there’s something very cool about an ocean that is completely flat. And today is completely flat. Couldn’t get much more flat. No swell over the next few days.
The ocean may be flat, but it was active with dolphin this morning, and I even caught a quick glimpse of a whale cruising by.
OBX fishing is slow. Skate and dog fish at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.
I use all sorts of lists all day long. When I’m done posting this, I get to check this off my list! In fact, here’s a list of some of the lists I love: “To Do” list, grocery list, “Honey Do” list, project list – there are endless potentials with lists. What do you want to know? Like “apps,” there’s a list for that.
We dig all sorts of lists for the Outer Banks, and one of our favorite types is the Top 10! A quick hit that provides great info in a compact format. What’s not to love?!
Stay tuned, we’ll be sharing all sorts of OBX lists, and today we have…
Top 10 Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About the OBX
1. A “Tucked Away” Outer Banks Park
If you’ve been to the Outer Banks, you’ve probably seen (or heard of) most of the parks and recreational areas. Currituck Heritage Park, Duck Town Park,Roanoke Island Festival Park and the list goes on. But there’s a little known park on the Outer Banks you’ve probably never seen. It’s in the 4-wheel drive area past Corolla, close to the Virginia line.
Best parts of the Outer Banks four wheel drive park:
Real bathrooms (not port-a-potties)
Grassy area for kids and pets to run around
Park grills
Trash cans
Boat dock
So, if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy one of the Outer Banks’ lesser known parks.
2. The Martians Have Landed
If you’re ever In the town of Hatteras, you may notice a quite unusual sight. If you look clsoely, you will see a “Martian space craft” sitting quietly along side highway 12. It’s complete with little green men and some spooky creatures peering out from the porthole windows.
3. Winged Horses
The beautiful horses you see around the Outer Banks are from the Winged Horse Extravaganza - a celebration of the 2003 Centennial of Flight. They can be found all along the Outer Banks – not only at places of business, but also in front of rental properties.
4. She Sells Seashells by the Seashore
If you have the opportunity (and time), make sure you head south to check out Ocracoke Island. Once you get off the ferry, you will be driving down a quiet section of highway 12. After approximately 1 or 2 miles, pull off the road and walk over the dunes on the oceanside (on your left as you drive). Most of the beach in this area is desolate and filled with incredible sea shells at low tide.
5. Big Blue
According to the International Gamefish Association, the Outer Banks and the Virgin Islands are the most likely places to catch Atlantic Blue Marlin weighing more than 1,000 pounds.
6. Bird is the Word
More than 400 species of birds have been identified at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, located on the north end of Hatteras Island.
7. The Civil War
The War Between the States brought several battles to the Outer Banks. At Hatteras Inlet (August 1861), at Chicamacomico (October 1861) and on Roanoke Island (February 1862), the Federals won their first victories of the war and established control over the Outer Banks. The inhabitants were not strongly attached to the Southern cause, and many took the oath of allegiance to the United States.
8. Pillage and Plunder
Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard the Pirate, lived, pirated, and died on the Outer Banks. Blackbeard was a very successful and flamboyant pirate. He was a tall, intimidating man decorated with cutlasses and pistols. During combat, his beard was braided with ribbons and he wore lit cannon fuses in his hair. He was killed in hand-to-hand combat with members of the Royal Navy at Ocracoke Inlet on November 22, 1718.
9. A House by the Sea
The first cottage built on the Outer Banks was in the 1830′s. In those days, planters from inland counties longed to escape the long, hot and humid summer, which they believed fostered malaria and other diseases. In the 1830s, the first of these plantation owners came to Nags Head and purchased 200 acres of land where he built the very first beach cottage.
10. On Hallowed Ground
The cemetery on Ocracoke island is officially located on British soil. It contains the graves of British sailors washed ashore after the wreck of the HMS Bedfordshire during WW2.
Late last week I posted a slideshow of some wave “magic” captured by one of my favorite blog subjects, Jordan, and today Jordan is back with another awesome glimpse of the Toys from God.
Enjoy some Everyday Magic from the OBX. Jordan titles this one “Here Come the Horses” – seems fitting…that wave is charging hard!
A couple weeks ago we started a new blog series focused on the youngest fans of the OBX – the kiddos.
“OBX for the Kids” is a series of posts centered on the OBX and kids – clever name, right? We’re sharing travel ideas, beach ideas, OBX activities…all with a twist for the little ones.
We have young ones ourselves, so we know what all the parents are up against. How to keep them happy, how to keep them busy…basically, how to keep the whining to a minimum.
Luckily, the beach is a perfect playground to keep the kids busy, so we’re already ahead of the game. But let’s take a look at some fun beach-themed crafts to keep them busy on those rainy days or when it’s time to take a break from fun in the sun.
And a bonus for all of the parental units, these crafts can double as souvenirs, so the Wings tab can stay to a minimum - a fun craft and a daily reminder of the wonderful time they had on their Outer Banks vacation!
Personalized Seashell
Here’s a great way for kids to save their treasures from the beach all in one place! Display the final product on a bookshelf or nightstand in your child’s room.
What you’ll need:
Large shell and several small shells
Sand dollar or starfish
White craft glue
Sponge applicator
Miniature craft stick
Alphabet beads
Sand
How to make it:
Squeeze a generous amount of white glue all over the inside of the large shell. Spread the glue with the sponge applicator.
For the large item, such as a starfish or a sand dollar, add glue to the back of the item then find a spot on the shell where the item will be fairly flush and stick it in place.
Add small shells, pebbles, and anything else you like to the remaining area of the large shell.
Cover the entire contents of the large shell with sand. Leave for a couple of hours to dry.
Pipe a line of glue onto the craft stick and glue the alphabet beads in place, spelling out your name. Let dry.
Gently turn the shell over to dump out the excess sand, lightly tapping the shell. Glue the nameplate to the front of the shell and let dry.
Sand-Filled Bottles
Take a bit of the Outer Banks home with you by making these cool sand-filled bottles.
What you’ll need:
Sand
Newspaper
Wax paper
Colored chalk (as many different colors as you like)
Clear glass or plastic bottles
Stick or pencil
White glue or bottle cap
Cutting board
How to make it:
Cover the work surface with newspaper.
Place a sheet of wax paper on a cutting board.
Place some sand on the wax paper. Roll a piece of colored chalk across the sand until the sand is completely changed to that color.
Carefully lift the wax paper and gently shake the sand to the center of the wax paper. Hold both ends of the paper up to use it as a pour spout to pour the colored sand into the bottle. You can use a funnel if you find it easier.
Use a stick or the eraser end of a pencil to make a few dips in the sand.
Repeat these steps until you have several colors of sand layered in your bottle(s).
If you have a cap for your bottle, be sure to fill it completely with sand and press down firmly on the sand to compact it. Place cap on tight. If you do not have a bottle cap, fill sand to about ½” from the top of the bottle. Compact the sand with a pencil or your finger if it fits in the opening and then fill to the top with glue and let dry.
Tips:
You can use small plastic bottles available at your local craft store or empty jars and bottles that you have on hand.
If using sand from the beach, be sure to sift it with a flour sifter first to remove any bits of debris and rock.
Seashell Critters
Save the shells you find on the beach and make these adorable little seashell critters.
What you’ll need:
Seashells in various types and sizes
Hot glue gun
Wiggle eyes
How to make it:
Arrange shells together to form different animals and creatures.
Have a parent glue them together with hot glue.
Add wiggle eyes to your creatures.
Tips:
It’s best to position the shells first and decide how you want them to go together before gluing.
Put cockle shells together to form oyster like creatures.
For more colorful projects, paint your shells before gluing together.
Summer Journal
Help kids create this simple journal to keep track of the family vacation to the Outer Banks.
What you’ll need:
Journal or other notebook
Foam letters (available as stickers)
Foam shapes (we used flower and sport themes)
Wiggle eyes
Craft jewels
Fabric paint tubes
White craft glue
How to make it:
Open journal and make sure it is right side up.
Glue foam shapes onto journal wherever you like.
Use wiggle eyes, craft jewels, and fabric paint to decorate however your child sees fit. We glued craft jewels onto our purple journal as well as onto the centers of our foam flowers. We used wiggle eyes to give life to the different sports balls.
Tips:
Many foam shapes are available as stickers now, eliminating the need for the glue and making it easier for smaller children to participate.
Foam journals, stickers and shapes are readily available at craft supply stores. You can find them in discount department stores, but selections are not nearly as large.
If you child isn’t sure how he/she would like to decorate their journal, have them lay everything out on the cover first. Encourage them to move items around until they are happy with their design. Keep the items all in place and glue each one down one by one.
Summer Vacation Stationery
Kids will love this project that allows them to personalize their own letters about their Outer Banks vacation.
What you’ll need:
Construction paper, card stock or writing paper
Foam stamps of your choice
Acrylic craft paints
Paintbrush
How to make it:
Lay paper on table.
Choose stamps with which you wish to decorate your stationary.
After choosing your paint colors, paint a foam stamp and press gently but firmly onto the paper. Decorate with stamps around the edges; just be sure to leave yourself enough room to write your letter.
After all paint decorations have dried you can write your letter.
Tips:
Foam stamps are available in a variety of shapes and themes at your local craft supply store.
You can also sign your name by using foam alphabet stamps.
Use paint pens or markers to add details to animals or shapes.
Match your stationery theme to your vacation. For example, if you visited the beach, use sea shells stamps, fish and other sea creatures.
Sand Sculpture
Every sandcastle connoisseur knows the frustration of seeing their masterpiece swept away by the waves. Now you can craft a permanent sand sculpture just by using sand, water and cornstarch.
What you’ll need:
3 cups of sand (“play sand” from the hardware store works if you don’t have “beach sand”)
1 1/2 cups of cornstarch
1 1/2 cups of water
Newspaper
Old cooking pot
Large spoon
How to make it:
Mix the ingredients together in the pot.
With the help of a grownup, cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly.
When it gets thick, take it off of the stove and let cool.
Once it is cool, use the spoon to turn it out on the newspaper.
Now you can make it into any shape you like, let it dry, and keep your creation forever!
Tips:
A quick spray of Pam or other lubricating spray helps the sand pop right out of the sandcastle molds. A hole poked into the top of the sandcastle mold also seemed to help.
To make the sandcastles pop out perfectly, the trick seemed to be packing the sand mixture into the molds tightly and leaving an air space at the open end of the mold and slamming the mold down hard onto the plate….the extra air helps pop the sand right out.
Ocean Bottle
Create your very own ocean waves in a plastic soda bottle and display for all your friends to see.
What you’ll need:
Empty two liter plastic bottle with lid
Clear vegetable oil or mineral oil
Water
funnel
Blue food coloring
Small star fish, shells and other sea creatures
One tsp glitter
White craft glue
Hot glue
How to make it:
Wash and dry two-liter bottle and remove all labels
Fill bottle halfway with tap water
Add a few drops of blue food coloring and swirl around to mix
Add glitter
Add sea creatures
Fill bottle the rest of the way with vegetable oil using a funnel
Be sure that rim and cap are dry, then apply white craft glue around the rim. Seal cap.
Use a layer of hot glue around the outer edge of the cap for added protection from leakage
Turn bottle on its side and gently rock the bottle to create a “wave” inside your ocean habitat!
Tips:
Use lightweight starfish, shells and other sea creature toys that can float. Test them first in a bowl or glass of water. Find these at your local craft supply store or discount department store.
Make the ocean any color you choose! Blue is standard of course, but if your child’s room is decorated with red and yellow, go with red food coloring. There’s no rule that says your ocean must be blue.
Small children will be mesmerized by this creation. They can help make this every step. Let them insert the sea creatures, hold the funnel and help add the tap water. In the steps that may be more difficult for little fingers, have them hold the bottle steady for you while you add the glitter.
Seashell Mobile
Make a great souvenir from your Outer Banks vacation with this seashell mobile.
What you’ll need:
Shells or other finds
String
2 pieces of dowel rod, about 1 foot length
Glue
How to make it:
Use string to make dowels into an ‘X’ shape.
Glue shells onto several different lengths of string.
Let dry about a day.
Tie string with shells to dowel rods at all four corners and some between.
Hang somewhere you, your friends, and neighbors can all see it and enjoy it. It will also give you a chance to tell everyone about your adventures in collecting your treasures.
Below are a few links I’ll share for further info, and here’s a quick synopsis:
