Have A Heart!

Those of you who know me personally or follow me on my Blog, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and all other social media outlets already know that I have a charitable heart. I have volunteered for and worked tirelessly on several charity committees throughout the years. It's who I am. It's what I do. I'm asking for you to join me now and Have A Heart.

I'm walking in the 2012 Down East Heart Walk on Saturday, October 20, 2012 and I need all the support I can get! Why am I walking? Heart disease runs deeply in both sides of my family. I've lost grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to this disease. I decided a long time ago that's not going to be the way I go out. That's why I eat the way I do, exercise regularly, take supplements and maintain a healthy weight. I'm also committed to sticking around long enough to watch my 2 little nephews grow up and enjoy life!

I lost 2 very dear female cousins to congestive heart failure. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the #1 killer of women, claiming almost 435,000 lives a year. Nearly one woman per minute! The AHA is working hard to change the perception that heart disease is a "man's disease" and have initiated the Go Red For Women program. Be sure to visit this link to learn the signs of a heart attack as well as download delicious, healthy recipes for you and your family.

Nearly 1 in 3 adults has some form of cardiovascular disease yet 80% of it can be prevented. In our region alone, an estimated 65,578 people die each year from heart disease and stroke. We can reduce this statistic by promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle. The American Heart Association has a goal of increasing cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent by 2020 as well as reduce the number of deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20 percent. Adults aren't the only ones who suffer however....




The walk is 30 days from now, please Have A Heart and visit My Donation Page to contribute as much or as little as your budget allows. Send me a message to ggwinstead@gmail.com if you'd rather send a check or cash. Thank you SO MUCH for your support and consideration.

With heart,
GG

*All source material complements of the American Heart Association.

At your service, Gena G. Winstead Broker, Realtor, ABR http://www.GreenvilleNCBroker.com/

The Fun Aunt

Last week's book theme was all the fun stuff I run across in my day-to-day life as a Realtor in Greenville, NC. I've had "orbs" show up in listing photos, heard footsteps in a vacant house, walked in on college kids doing the wild thang and been offered a mimosa by a man answering the door wearing nothing but a smile and an incredibly small towel.

After spending yesterday afternoon with my 2 nephews I've decided my next tome will be titled, "Trials and Tribulations of The Fun Aunt." My neck hurts. Bad. Pretty sure I lost more than the 100 single hairs the average human being loses daily. In fact, my scalp tingles where my ponytail was pulled around the back of my head while Tyler The Brave bounced on me. I also bit the inside of my cheek trying to defend myself from the onslaught of Underwear Man. I'm bruised, scratched and exhausted today...and I'd have it no other way. Not having any kids of my own, I love these cutie pies like they're mine.

In mid-attack my sister-in-law who was watching tv on the sofa asked when I was going to come stay with them the whole weekend so she and my brother could get away. I managed to sit up, ponytail around the side of my head, blowing escaped locks of hair off my face and asked real slowly...."You mean...by myself???" I don't know if I would survive! At that point Underwear Man jumped off my back to leap onto the sofa, where his Mama promptly said she was wearing her Invisibility Cloak. (Must. Remember. This.)

A whole weekend with the boys would mean I couldn't stay The Fun Aunt. Right? There would have to be more discipline involved than just unclenching small fists from the dog's fur or releasing the cat's tail. To all you moms and dads reading this, how does one transition from FUN to Authoritarian in the same sentence? I really do enjoying playing Super Heroes and wrestling (this is the South so that's pronounced "wrasslin") and wallowing all over the floor with those guys (even though I need to go for a chiropractic adjustment the next day....)

What is The Fun Aunt's magic formula or superpower to allow play with 2 very physical little tykes yet still maintain a level of control over their safety? Maybe I'm second-guessing my ability to parent since so far I've just been Mama to 4-legged babies. Any sage advice out there? I really would love to keep them for a whole weekend!


At your service, Gena G. Winstead Broker, Realtor, ABR http://www.ggwinstead.kwrealty.com/

Gonna write a book!

My customers, clients and friends ask me all the time, "What's the most interesting thing you've seen or done as a Broker?" Well, it's never a dull moment....some days being more exciting than others and I learn something new with every single transaction. I tell ya, one day I am gonna write a book!

Today started like any typical day. I ran across town to unlock a house I have under contract in Uptown Greenville, NC. The home inspector was already there and we briefly discussed how someone of his size, about 5'10" and 195 pounds, was going to fit under a crawl space only 8" tall. I left that conundrum with him and headed to the office.

Two hours later my client who is purchasing the property collected me at Keller Williams Realty and we headed back to the house. Ten minutes later the block is surrounded by Sheriff deputies and Greenville city police officers. One of them flagged me down and asked if I'd seen a guy in handcuffs riding a bike. Apparently the guy had escaped from the court house and stolen a bike out front. I sorta giggled at the image in my mind and headed back inside, promising to call if I did see anyone matching that description.

The home inspector asked me what was going on, scratched his head after I told him then lead me back to a pair a bolt cutters and a C-clamp sitting on top of a fireplace mantel. I was just in the house a few days before and that mantel was empty. Then he showed me where the sheet of wire and metal bars nailed across a back window had been cut away. He also said that he locked the window, that it was unlocked when he got there. Hmmmm, someone sure had been busy!

The police and Sheriff cars were still circling the block so I flagged one down. The officer was about to come in, probably just to take a break from the madness, when another officer pulled up outside. They spoke briefly then drove away quickly. Now I'm not saying that it was all set-up though one of the officers said it was a possibility. Chances are that the seller happened to put those items there over the weekend. Sure was a noggin-scratcher at the time, though!

This is far from being the pinnacle of excitement I've encountered out in the field. After all, I did get my career started in New Orleans! One day, however, I am gonna write a book.

The fugitive has since turned himself in. The whole article is below.

Handcuffed Man Steals Bike In Front Of Pitt County Courthouse



At your service, Gena G. Winstead Broker, Realtor, ABR http://www.GreenvilleNCBroker.com/

What are YOU doing for National Night Out?

Tomorrow night is the 29th Annual National Night Out against crime. This program was designed to heighten drug and crime awareness and strengthen neighborhood spirit. By working directly with local law-enforcement officials it is a great way to show criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back!

What is your neighborhood doing for National Night Out? I am fortunate enough to live in a great neighborhood that already fosters a deep spirit of community. To begin with, we are within a very short walking distance to Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, home of the ECU Pirates. Arrrgh! Tailgating is the rule and not the exception during football season, we get to know each other well! We also have an annual yard sale every Spring as well as go caroling to visit our neighborhood shut-ins every Christmas. I was a stop along the caroling caravan last year but not because I'm a shut-in...the Jolley Trolley stopped in front of my house so everyone could take pictures of my "Christmas Story" leg lamp!

This year for National Night Out, my neighborhood, Elmhurst-Englewood, will have lemonade stands, cookie giveaways, kids playing their musical instruments (which will be interesting considering my 16-year old neighbor across the street plays the bagpipes), as well as folks just walking and biking in our lively neighborhood. I can't wait!

For more information on this National event please visit http://www.natw.org/nno/about.html


At your service, Gena G. Winstead Broker, Realtor, ABR http://www.ggwinstead.kwrealty.com/

THE coolest property for sale in Greenville, NC!

In my 16 years in the Real Estate industry I've marketed many awesome properties, but this one has to be THE coolest property I've ever had listed. It reminds me of that slightly techie and artistic friend that we all seem to have. You know the one...cool composure, was the first person you know who bought an iPad when they went public, dresses in their own unique yet flattering style, enjoys the finest things life has to offer...and loves to entertain.

This is that house.

Greenville, NC's Coolest Home For Sale

Unique home for the discerning buyer. His and Hers touches abound! She will relish the extra storage space and abundant walk-in closets, upscale appliances and one-of-a-kind touches. He will want to camp out in the oversized garage and workshop with man cave above. No expense or detail was spared in this home. Flow through the open kitchen to the living room with built-ins, enjoy lunch on the patio overlooking a serene lawn pond. Techies will enjoy this fully programable Smart House.

The set up your private viewing of THE coolest property for sale in Greenville, NC please give me a call at (910) 232-6383.


At your service, Gena G. Winstead Broker, Realtor, ABR http://www.GreenvilleNCBroker.com/

Greenville, NC Real Estate's hottest new listing!

Greenville, NC's hottest new Real Estate listing!

I am so excited about this one, it's going to sell fast! If you're looking for pride of ownership in a previously-owned home then look no further. Gorgeous paint colors, impeccably maintained, excellent floor plan with detailing throughout. Nice deck out back for relaxing after a long day or just go soak away your worries in the jetted tub in your spacious master suite.

For room dimensions please visit MLS 105755 and call me for your personal showing of this Greenville, NC home for sale (910) 232-6383.

At your service,Gena G. WinsteadBroker, Realtor, ABR http://www.GreenvilleNCBroker.com/

Affordability at an all time high!

You keep hearing on the news that it's a Buyer's Market. You hear that new home sales are down...then the next article you read online says home sales are up. The truth of the matter is that housing today costs about 15% of your monthly budget whereas in 1981 it was 36% of it.

Whether you're thinking of buying for the first time or considering moving up to your DREAM HOME, research shows that real estate may be at it's all-time affordability RIGHT NOW. Please call me to discuss (910) 232-6383 or visit me online at www.greenvillencbroker.com.

At your service, Gena G. Winstead Broker, Realtor, ABR http://www.ggwinstead.kwrealty.com/

Ooooops, I didn't do it again!

Hello everyone!

It has been entirely too long since I've thought about or even glanced at this fun little blog I put together an eon ago!

I could really use your help. Being as I now live in Greenville, NC for the time being, should I change my blog name to something more geographically in line with where I reside...or keep the Coastal Property Agent name? Greenville is technically part of the IBX or Inner Banks of NC and there is waterfront property a quick distance from here. Sigh....what to do, what to do? Your thoughts?

I also wanted to share my websites which I'm currently updating. (Please see my blog entry about DISC profiles if you'd like to understand why not only is this a vast undertaking for my personality style but also why I'd rather be having a root canal instead of writing html).

You may visit me on a few different sites, all of which are being tweaked so I will not at all be offended if you post helpful hints or things you'd like to see as I update them: they are www.GreenvilleNCBroker.com, www.ggwinstead.kwrealty.com, and www.GenaWinstead.info.

Thanks for reading and for your advice! I will be posting again regularly now, if there's anything specific you'd like to know more about please let me know. I'm a wealth of useful/useless knowledge.


At your service, Gena G. Winstead Broker, Realtor, ABR http://www.ggwinstead.kwrealty.com/