http://blog.hatterasisland.com Sharing news and opinions about Hatteras Island, North Carolina & its real estate market. Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:19:21 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en As you recall, on February 20th two environmental groups filed a motion in federal court requesting a preliminary injunction to prevent driving on the beaches in six bird breeding and nesting areas within the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Coincidentally, these areas are among the most popular for visitors and residents. They ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2008/03/03/beach-driving-update/ The following article appeared on the Island Free Press web site (http://www.islandfreepress.com) yesterday.   The environmental groups that have sued the National Park Service over its interim protected species plan at Cape Hatteras National Seashore will ask a federal court judge on Wednesday, Feb. 20, for a temporary injunction to stop beach ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2008/02/20/environmental-groups-seeking-injunction-to-stop-beach-driving/ It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that 2007 was quite a year for both our local Hatteras Island market as well as real estate markets across the country. All of us have been inundated with reports of market declines, and we have been introduced to a new vocabulary of ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2008/01/02/the-other-side-of-the-story/ With all of the recent news reports about the housing market decline and problems related to sub-prime mortgages, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the real estate market on Hatteras Island is completely dormant. In reality, nothing could be more distant from the truth. Here are ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2007/12/07/the-simple-facts-about-the-real-estate-market/ Analyzing real estate market statistics is often like looking at the ocean after a storm. There are a lot of cross-currents, and rarely do all of the indicators point in the same direction. This seems to be the situation in the market today.  We think that a strong case can be made that the ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2007/11/28/hatteras-island-3rd-quarter-real-estate-market-review/ Prospective buyers of Cape Hatteras real estate received an early Christmas present today when interest rates dropped below 6.0 percent!    Interest rates on conventional 30-year fixed rate loans (those below $417,000) offered by a major lender are 5.875 percent with no points and 5.625 percent with the payment of one point ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2007/11/27/interest-rates-drop-below-60-for-hatteras-island-buyers/     Over the past few months, a variety of very interesting and important issues concerning Hatteras Island have been at the forefront of our local headlines.  Some have been resolved, and others will probably be with us for the foreseeable future.  Here is a summary:   On November 6th, ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2007/11/17/hatteras-island-fall-news-round-up/ With all of the recent news reports about the problems of the sub-prime mortgage market and wild swings in the stock market, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking the “sky is falling.” In reality, the mortgage market relative to Hatteras Island properties is still quite attractive.   Interest ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2007/08/18/mortgage-interest-rates-not-a-problem-for-outer-banks/ The recent tragedy in Minnesota has served to focus renewed attention and generated an increased sense of urgency concerning the need to replace the bridge over Oregon Inlet.  As you know, the Bonner Bridge is Hatteras Island’s only non-ferry, land link to get on and off the island. Here is a ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2007/08/12/oregon-inlet-bridge-becomes-focal-point-of-attention/ A variety of issues concerning driving on Hatteras Island beaches and a surprise ruling by a U.S. District judge have taken center stage in local news reports during the past week.   There are three main topics that are the focal points of the discussions:   On Friday, July 13th, ... http://blog.hatterasisland.com/2007/07/22/beach-driving-issues-take-center-stage/