Insights

Expert advice from Markraft's Technical Advisor Brian Vogel

How many spreadsheets do you have on your computer? Most have a few.  But where’s the spreadsheet that counts all the emotions we feel while planning our future? It is, after all, called ‘personal finance’ for a reason.  That’s why,…

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be difficult to keep up with all our personal and professional obligations. From remembering to pay the electric bill to meeting a project deadline at work – and all the…

Did you know that Wilmington is home to the first hemp spa in North Carolina? Taylor Jameson, your local licensed cannabis esthetician -- specializing in beautification of the skin -- has been offering CBD skin treatments since 2017. In January…

You’re a modern woman in every way, and it shows. Perhaps you are juggling two jobs and parenthood… all on your own. Maybe you’re a young professional diving headfirst into the career of you always wanted … pursuing your graduate…

Those of us who live and work here at Plantation Village are fortunate to have so many WWII veterans as residents. The Greatest Generation dealt with adversity during the Great Depression, went to war because it was the right thing…

Organization and space saving are hugely important to any home design, especially for homeowners who like to spend summer months entertaining. How can you organize outdoor areas, living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens to be functional yet welcoming to groups…

For Melissa Marsh, moving to Wilmington was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Markraft designer made her way to the area in September 2018. Two days before Hurricane Florence, to be exact. “We were here about two days, shoved everything unpacked into…

To help potential residents get a taste of the Plantation Village lifestyle, we have launched an exciting new program called the Passport Club. An exclusive sneak peek into the exceptional quality of life our residents enjoy on a daily basis,…

You’ve spent countless hours on Houzz and Pinterest. You’ve flipped through dozens of home magazines. And you’ve watched your share of HGTV makeover shows. Armed with lots of ideas (and maybe even a few photos), you’re ready to get started…

Top photo: Jim Moore (2nd generation) and Adrienne Moore (3rd generation). Bottom photo: James E. Moore and Ann S. Moore (1st generation) help Jim Moore (2nd generation) take his first steps. Anniversaries are a time for reflection and celebration. At…

I have been working with folks transitioning to retirement for 20 years.  When I started in my career, it was the Greatest Generation retiring. Now it is all Baby Boomers. There is a stark contrast in the financial make up…

  You work hard to provide your family with a safe and comfortable place to live and the best opportunities life has to offer. You started stashing money away early for your eventual retirement in order to truly enjoy your…

Port City Dispensary has been a partner in Cannabis education and Hemp retail since the passing of the North Carolina Hemp Pilot program in 2015. Founded by a Marine Corps combat veteran as a way to share the healing power…

Improving one’s appearance is the most obvious reason for orthodontic treatment, but for many adults, another important motivator is avoiding the premature loss of teeth and the need for extensive restorative work. It’s well understood by dentists, but not by…

Markraft Cabinets has built its business, in large part, through the support of area builders. So, it’s no surprise they like to give back to the local industry whenever they can. Markraft will once again participate in the Wilmington-Cape Fear…

“Women’s natural role is to be a pillar of the family.” – Grace Kelly Those words from the legendary star and style icon may have been spoken long ago, but even in this era of the modern do-it all working…

  Customers come first is a phrase so oft-repeated by companies that it can be difficult to tell when it’s sincere and when it’s just a slogan. At Markraft Cabinets, you don’t have to take their word for it. In what…

The weather outside might be frightful but inside Markraft Cabinets’ showroom, there are now some delightful signs of warmer seasons soon to come. Recognizing the ever-growing trend of outdoor living in our area, Markraft recently created a display to let…

In a move that was motivated by ethics and a continuing focus on providing the highest possible standard of service for our residents, Plantation Village implemented a pay increase for its hourly associates. The change went into effect on the…

My purpose in writing this brief article is to provide a little information about insuring personal property while it is being moved or is in storage, and to encourage you to do a little insurance planning. Many of you have…

The first item I bought with my own money was a little wooden barn for my toy horses. It had sliding stall doors, a hay loft, and a mini-chest to put tiny plastic saddles in.   I became smitten with…

Those of us who work here at Plantation Village are always cognizant and appreciative of the role our residents have played in making our society what it is today. To put it simply, we understand how fortunate we are to…

Move over grey – there’s a new tone in town. While, admittedly, smoky gunmetal hues aren’t exactly going the way of avocado green in kitchens, Markraft designer Amanda Fisher is forecasting warmer colors for 2019. “I think you’re going to…