With signs that home sales and construction have begun a slow upward tick, general contractors are taking stock of the number of local subcontractors available.
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While no one will argue things are back to normal, there appears to be some anecdotal and hard evidence to suggest the market improved in 2011 and may still be along an upward slope.
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Depending on your vantage point as an owner, a seller, a buyer, a builder or a Realtor — foreclosures on the Outer Banks can be both a blessing and a curse.
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Even if your credit credentials are stellar, refinancing a home to take advantage of lower rates can be difficult because of the way property is appraised.
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Given the incredible imbalance between homes listed and those under contract, it is evident the local housing market is treading water.
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Our house is finally done. But there are still some loose ends and a few more jobs in our series examining the human impact of the construction downturn.
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Talk to 10 real estate agents and you’ll likely get 10 different responses on the state of the current market. New numbers might provide some clues.
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The president signed a bill Thursday that extends funding for the National Flood Insurance Program, which had been allowed to lapse March 28. Funding will be restored through May 31 under the legislation.
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Read the comments on the CNBC web site concerning the lapse of federal flood insurance and one gets a sense of déjà vu – OBX style. By Russ Lay

Funding for the National Flood Insurance Program expired March 28, which could delay closings on some sales on the Outer Banks. Flood insurance is required on bank-owned or government- backed mortgage loans
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A funny thing happened on the way to the local real estate market today. Condos that once listed for over $700,000 were sold for barely half that during an auction Saturday at The Landings at Sugar Creek.
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