Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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Getting a Refund for a Vacation Rental After Hurricane Florence
In September 2018 I wrote about tenants being legally eligible for refunds after Hurricane Florence (if you’re attempting to get a refund, visit that page also). I knew there was a problem after hearing from multiple people who were burned, so in October I wrote about Topsail Island realty agencies denying refunds to tenants. Despite…
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How Much Money Do Rentals Bring in Topsail Island?
After managing oceanfront homes on Topsail Island for a few years I have been able to determine the max amounts and dates rentals go for. Of course, a house that is a block or two back from the ocean front goes for less than a house right on the ocean, and the age is a…
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Surf City Beach Renourishment Set for 2020
The beach in Surf City is missing! It’s there, it’s just – not what it used to be. Oceanfront homes are unprotected. When the wind is up, water practically hits the driveway. There’s a good 2 – 3 feet of sand missing, and still lots of debris on the beach. Town of Surf City is…
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Will My Real Estate Agent Help Rent My Beach House While I Sell It?
Almost no real estate agent in the Snead’s Ferry or Topsail Island area will rent your vacation house for you. Contrary to popular belief, real estate agents make very little money off of selling homes. They generally receive 25% of that 7% listing fee. Selling a $400,000 property is a tremendous amount of work, and…
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Iconic Surf City Swing Bridge Pieces Not Available to Public But You Can Still Get Art
I’ve been driving across the iconic Surf City Swing Bridge for 15 years. While it’s not nearly as long or as often as some people who live on the island full time, I sure will miss the sound of my tires on the bridge making the whirring sound and ker-thunk ker-thunk as I drove across…
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Donate Your 2018 Christmas Trees to Topsail Island’s Dunes
If you’re reading this you probably know that Hurricane Florence blew the dunes away on Topsail Island. While Surf City was repairing dunes in November 2018, much work remains yet to be done. WCTI reports that North Topsail needs your Christmas Trees. Please don’t throw them out or burn them! Please see their article for…
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FEMA Fail: Sand Has Yet To Be Restored to Topsail Beaches in December 2018
On November 27, 2018, I stood on the beach in awe, realizing that there’s 2, 3 or 4 FEET of sand missing from the beach in Surf City *STILL*. Update 2019: The beach will be renourished! FEMA pulled through. Here’s a pic of some people fishing. As you can see, there’s like… no beach… And…
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Sand Dunes Being Restored to Surf City NC Post Hurricane Florence
On November 27, 2018, I was standing on the beach reeling in some Whiting and Spots and I heard a gigantic dump truck go by. Yes, it was sand finally being delivered to North Shore Drive in Surf City. The Topsail Island dunes are finally being restored. I think they’ve been putting sand down south…
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Topsail Island Fishing Report December 2018
As of November 27, 2018, the ocean temperature in Surf City is 63 degrees. The Surf City Pier closes for the season December 2, 2018. The spots have disappeared. There are a few trout here and there. They had a short run the second week of November. Mullets are here. If you like “whiting” you’re…
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Insurance Checks Arriving to Surf City NC Homeowners After Hurricane Florence
Today I spoke to the owner of a property that I manage and two of the neighbors. Everyone received their insurance check just before Thanksgiving, around November 20, 2018. I’m not sure which insurer they were using. One guy said his insurance company was very nice. They sent him his check out, and he called…
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