Manteo and Roanoke Island  Roanoke Island, nestled between the mainland and the Outer Banks is one of the most historic pieces of real estate in the country. In the late 1500's, Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh made the first attempt at English colonization of America here -- and failed miserably. The settlement of 117 men, women and children disappeared without a trace and became known as The Lost Colony. The only clue to their disappearance was the word ''Croatoan'' carved on a tree. Various theories have surfaced throughout the years as to what happened to the Lost Colony, and one by one, they seem to have been discounted. Today, over 400 years later, no one really knows their fate - and probably no one ever will. The nation's longest-running outdoor drama, The Lost Colony, recreates their tale on summer nights, and the remains of the original settlement can be seen at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. The Roanoke Island Festival Park interprets the area's early history with a distinctive Elizabethan flare. The North Carolina Aquarium, the quaint Manteo waterfront, and the fishing village of Wanchese also offer great insight into what makes the Outer Banks such a special place to live and visit. |  | | | Manteo - The Elizabeth II | |
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Buying Land and New Construction >Buying New or Buying Old
New homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, and buyers are usually willing to spend more on a new home because of lower maintenance costs. Builders' warranties on new homes, when combined with a new roof, appliances, and major systems, usually make major repairs unnecessary and help to counter a slower initial rate of appreciation.
Census Bureau Housing Surveys suggests that operating costs are lowest for brand new homes and slightly higher for relatively new existing homes. Operating costs per square foot of living space are consistently higher for progressively older existing homes. Utility costs represent the largest factor in operating costs. Energy consumption per square foot depends on the size of the home, the insulation and quality of the windows, air leakage and the efficiency of the furnace.
New homes require fewer expenditures for routine maintenance. The cost of maintenance first increases with age, then declines, so you will generally spend less maintaining a home built before 1960 than for a home built between 1970 and 1975.
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What three things are necessary in order to purchase a home?
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Some cash, a dependable income and good credit. If you fall short, don't despair--homeownership may still be possible. |
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- NUMBER1EXPERTS™ 
