The Edge's Malibu Development

As a huge fan of the band U2, I have taken an interest in The Edge's new real estate development in Malibu. He has come under fire from one of the owners of an adjacent property, so The Edge has countered this loudmouth with a website detailing the development and its impact on the environment.

Check out this modern design, and you decide. I think it looks like a well-balanced development that fits with the land better than most homes you'll see on those hills. Frank Lloyd Wright comes to mind. I'd love to go take pictures on this beautiful property... maybe I'll get an invite one day.

Energy Saving Ideas for your Home

Gizmodo has a new article covering various ways to save and create energy in your home:

"...if you want to go the extra mile and make upgrades that could increase the value of your home, here are some products to consider:"

Solar & Wind are covered, and there are numerous other energy-saving ideas, some of which will add value to your home as well. Win-Win!

Facing Foreclosure: Help from NC

The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency has a great site with loads of information for those possibly facing foreclosure. Some terrific advice here.

Broadband for Home Buyers

How about high speed broadband internet? That has become an important factor for many home buyers:

"In less than a decade, broadband has gone from a luxury to a must for many people, and for some of them, it's started to influence their real estate decisions. Homes that have broadband are winning out over more remote ones that don't. Areas with better and faster broadband are becoming more desirable than ones with slower access.

Edward Redpath, a real estate broker in Hanover, N.H., said he has seen deals fall through once the buyer realizes a home doesn't get broadband. Across the Connecticut River in Norwich, Vt., only the center of the village has cable.

"We have a lot of people that don't go into the rural neighborhoods or consider the rural neighborhoods because they need the broadband," Redpath said. "Our lifestyle demands speed.""

Rural Southeastern North Carolina has better access than many would expect. I live 40 minutes outside Wilmington, out in the country, and I get my broadband from the cable company. It's blazing fast.

Pike Crossing 3D

Break out the red/cyan glasses for this slideshow featuring a couple of listings in Pike Crossing in Rocky Point, NC.

Pike Crossing

First virtual tour, photos from Debra Futch

Pike Crossing is a new neighborhood in Rocky Point, NC

Need Credit Counseling?

It might be a good idea, especially if you know your credit score is low and you need to improve it to get a mortgage. This article from MSN Money is a good place to learn about credit counseling.