Wilmington NC Real Estate Blog
Great Living in Wilmington
Great weather, great people, great living! That's what you get if you're lucky to live in Wilmington. With mother nature being so kind to us this winter I hope you have had a chance to get out and experience and enjoy this wonderful community. If you're like me, I love the outdoors and everything that comes along with it. As an avid golfer and tennis player in my spare time, I've been able to capitalize on our magnificent mild weather. Wilmington has a magnitude of wonderful golf course communities, some private, some public and some very close to the beach! With interest rates so low, now is a great time to buy properties on that golf course that you've been dreaming of and thought you couldn't afford. Brunswick Forest, Landfall, Porters Neck and Magnolia Greens are just a few golf course communities to mention. A true golfers dream that meets every level of golf. If golfing is not your thing and boating is, well again your in luck. Owning that property on or near the water has never been more affordable. There are so many wonderful opportunities here in the Wilmington area. Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach or Carolina Beach are a few to mention as well as waterfront/water view properties along the intercostal waterway. Just imagine yourself enjoying the warmth of the Carolina sunshine, watching boaters sail by and mother nature at her finest right outside your home! If the great outdoors aren't enough to draw you to this quaint town, then perhaps the theatre, arts, fine dining and shopping will entice you. Downtown Wilmington is quite the experience, whether you begin your journey along the historic waterfront boardwalk stopping off at the restaurant of your choice scattered throughout the streets or perhaps a dinner cruise on the Henrietta III. There you can cruise along the Cape Fear river enjoying cocktails and fine dining. There are scenic cruises and murder mystery cruises available as well. Perhaps you would rather enjoy an organized walking tour throughout historic Wilmington. For the brave at heart, perhaps a guided ghost tour would be of interest. Let us not forget the USS North Carolina Battleship opened to the public year round. What an experience to step back in time and let some of the crew's stories come "alive" as you wander thru the galleys of where our countrymen served. I you're lucky, you may catch of glimpse of "Charlene" and "Charlie" the resident alligators. So, if you're looking for a place that has it all, please let me know how I can help you and your family find your perfect home!
Written By: Robyn FitzGerald
Michael's Seafood
If you are ever looking for a full belly while frolicking about on Pleasure Island, boy do I have the place for you. Michael’s Seafood, located just over the bridge on Lake Park Blvd, is the home to the World’s Best Chowder." No way Josie", you say. I don't lie about chowder. Michael’s Chowder won the International Seafood Chowder Champion title in 2009, 2010 and 2011 which is held right here on Carolina Beach and let me be one to say that it is an honor that is well deserved. Michael’s Chowder is now also available at Harris Teeter but there is no better place to enjoy this than in the friendly, warm atmosphere of Michael’s Seafood Restaurant. The chowder is always perfect and the menu has a wide variety of food that could easily accommodate the most finicky of diners. Personally, I always choose the chowder. Since we’ve all gotten to know each other a little better I’m going to let you in on a little secret of mine. Ask the server for Sriracha sauce. All you need to do is plop a few drops on top of your chowder and top it off with an oyster cracker or two. Dive in and hang on, because your mouth is about to go on a spicy seafood adventure full of clams, scallops, crabs, cream, with every bite. more delicious than the last. I need to add that the service there is always top notch. The staff is knowledgeable and will stop at nothing to see that you have enjoyed your visit. If you are not in the mood to dine in, Michael’s will fill you up with as much hot, fresh chowder as your strong arms can carry. I understand. I love to watch the sunset on my back porch on a cool evening while savoring a bowl of Michael’s Seafood Chowder. Michael’s Seafood Chowder is but just one ingredient to the “Pleasure Island Stew” that is truly one of a kind. To top it off, the beach is only a short bike ride away. Take a stroll and when you’re ready for dessert to fill in the cracks, stop by Britt's famous donuts. The best donuts one could imagine. These things are the bee's knee's. So come on down, enjoy a day on the island. It will be an experience like no other. Shandahhhh!!
Written By: Jeff Humphrey
Neighborhoods with Marinas
So you want to live on the water...come with me on a virtual windshield tour....
In Wilmington, North Carolina the options for living on the water are limitless! Whether it's a creek, an inlet, a waterway, a marsh, or the ocean, everywhere you walk, drive and bike, you see water. Today let's focus on neighborhoods with marinas.
If you want to be near the beach and keep your boat within walking distance of your front door, a multitude of waterfront communities are available along Greenville Loop Road between Oleander and Pine Grove Roads. These neighborhoods offer the best water access for your boat and yet minutes from Wrightsville Beach.
Let's look at these sought after communities with marinas as part of your neighborhood amenity package...
One of my personal favorites is Shandy Point with its incredible moss covered, mature oak trees and flowering landscape. Homes in the beautiful part of Wilmington just ooze with southern charm and have access to a boat basin with no monthly maintenance fees! There are special assessments for dredging on an as needed basis.
Next on our tour is Towles Road, Turtle Hall, and two communities off Shinnwood Road; Shinn Point and Shinn Creek.
Once again, as you cruise through these tree lined streets, you will see a variety of architectural designs with a strong emphasis on coastal charm. The pride of ownership is evident in these neighborhoods with meticulous lawns, abundance of vegetation and flowers, and meandering drives filled with kids of all ages - biking, walking, and running! And just to tease you with visions of how grandma and grandpa grew up, lemonade stands and ice cream trucks are common sights in these cozy niches of paradise.
These neighborhoods offer private marinas with boat slips that can be purchased either with a home or separately with separate Homeowner's Association.
Of course, access to the Intracoastal Waterway doesn't come cheap and listings are few and far between. Once you have your keys to the castle, you may have to be a gypsy in the palace until I can find the perfect place to park your boat and put your hat!
Written by: Dee Pearce
Carolina Beach State Park
It’s technically winter, but that’s not the feeling you get when you walk out the door in a t-shirt and shorts, with the sun shining on a beautiful 70 degree day. So what is there to do on the coast when you want to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather while it’s still a little too chilly to hit the beach? Head to the State Park! Oh, wait, you didn’t realize that there was a State Park around here? There is!
Carolina Beach State Park is located just past Snows Cut Bridge at Carolina Beach. It contains over 700 acres of beautiful untouched land with more than five miles of hiking trails. The trails wind along beautiful beaches along the water, up hills and through the pine needles, and along rare Venus fly traps and other species of plants. Gather up the kids and the dogs and head down for a day of fun and free adventure at Carolina Beach State Park, if you’re a fan of the great outdoors you won’t be disappointed.
By: Kathryn Jeffries
Downtown Farmers Market
I just wanted to share a part of the Wilmington, NC life style that my family really enjoys. From the end of March to mid December, there is a Farmer’s Market that is held every Saturday from 8am - 1pm down on Water Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington.
My family enjoys grabbing the wagon and pulling it through the streets as we shop for local produce, plants, crafts, meats, clothes, pickles, breads, cookies, pasta, jams & jellies, wines and any other item that just might show up. It is a very friendly atmosphere with many of the vendors calling you by your first name. They have a great line-up of musicians that play while you shop. From blue grass to country to a little rock & roll - there is something for everyone.
A booth that I have to visit every trip I take down to the farmers market is the Pasta Wench booth. This is a North Carolina business that makes an all natural and organic ravioli and pasta sauces. They always have some great ravioli choices to choose from. I have NEVER had one that I did not just love.
Strolling down Water Street is always enjoyable because of the wonderful views of the Cape Fear River with the USS North Carolina in full view. There are many places to eat a light breakfast or lunch within few short blocks. I find it very important to support our local farmers, artist, and small businesses. This is what makes Wilmington such a nice place to call home.
For those of you who are from out of town, this is a great time to come down to Water Street to find out what will be going on after hours. There is a information stand that is open that will give you all the information you need about local boat tours, ghost walks, horse and carriage rides, places to eat, places to grab a beer or a glass of wine. They can also direct you to many of our local theaters for a great show. There is so much that Downtown Wilmington has to offer.
People are very friendly in our town. Do not hesitate to stop a local and ask their opinion of places to go and things to do. We are very proud of our city and will be glad to help out anytime.
Written By: Kirby Keene
http://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/farmers-market
First Time Buyers...Now is the time!
If you have been contemplating purchasing your very first home, now is the time to do it! First time home buyers have some great advantages with not only the market values but also the interest rates are at an all-time low, I have seen anywhere from 3.0 to 4.5% which is amazing! Homes that are sold as bank-owned foreclosures usually offer a 15 day period for owner-occupant buyers, this is one thing that gives first time buyers and advantage over investors to pick up some great deals. The first thing I tell my first time buyers or just buyers in general is to get with your bank and get pre-qualified. Getting pre-qualified lets you know exactly what price range you need to be shopping in so that when you find the perfect place you can move forward with an offer. Banks and lending institutions are offering some great programs that accompany these low rates. Here is a little info on some of the programs available:
USDA Program- This loan program is in my opinion the best for first time home buyers; it gives you the luxury of purchasing a home with almost zero money down. It is 100% financing and if you can get the seller to cover your closing costs then you literally come to the closing table with no money, a great feeling! The only downfall to the USDA is that is an "area restricted" loan. The home you are looking to purchase must be in what is called an eligible area, usually areas on the "outskirts" of town are eligible. Here is a link to the USDA website that you can plug in the address to their map and see if qualifie
Home Path Program- The home path is another great program that offers special offers to first time buyers. To qualify for this program you the home has to be a Fannie Mae foreclosure which you are starting to see make a trend in the market more and more. Some of the special offers include low earnest money deposit, in most cases only $500, a 2 year home warranty paid by the seller and up to 4% of total purchase price in seller paid closing costs. These loans do typically require 3% down so that is one downfall for a first time buyer that doesn't extra funds saved. Click here to learn more on these loans.
Written By: Carly Gravely
New Construction only 3 miles from Wrightsville Beach-Covil Crossing
Have you discovered Covil Crossing yet? This is one of Wilmington NC’s best kept secrets for low
maintenance, high quality, new construction on the east side of town. What was dead project land
from a bankrupt builder for nearly two years has been recently revived by long time local company
Premier Homes. The big deal here is convenience and location. Gone are the days of the mcmansion
but here you’ve got a classy home with all the bells and whistles you would expect. In addition, you are
surrounded by well to do real estate communities such as Snug Harbor, Wessex at Vantage Point, Gorman
Plantation, Pepper Tree and the north end of Landfall. These communities will certainly reinforce
property values long into the future.
Covil Crossing does a fantastic job of providing a full feature home with a no hassle price structure.
What you see is what you get, but nothing has been overlooked. Prices start at $319,000 and extend to
$344,000 for the largest floor plan. Premier Homes has really listened to what Buyers want in 2012.
You can expect 6 different floor plans to pick from, all which offer master bedrooms on the first floor,
screened porches, fireplaces, laundry room, two car garages and a bonus bedroom or FROG (finished
room over garage). My favorite floor plan is the Azalea. It features three bedrooms, three bathrooms for
a total of 2,250 square feet under air. I like the open concept from the kitchen that allows guests to sit at
the bar space or you can enjoy the “great room” for total relaxation around the fireplace.
There is still time to pick your favorite lot from this 60 home site community. If you decide to buy,
expect around 120 days to complete construction of your new home. During that time, the Builder will
work with you to pick all your custom finishes such as paint, granite, appliances, tile, hardwoods, carpet
and more. Best of all, your new home comes with a 5 year home warranty to protect your investment
and there are no Wilmington city taxes here. You only pay New Hanover county taxes because the
community is just over the northern boundary of Wilmington city limits.
Very few new construction real estate options exist so close to Wrightsville Beach and Mayfaire which
makes Covil Crossing a unique opportunity. If you are interested in seeing a model or if you would like a
complete list of new construction communities around Wilmington, please don’t hesitate to contact me or
our office at Blue Coast Realty.
-Ben Szafran, Broker, 910.713.9323
What is Presidents Day?
What is Presidents Day?
Why do we celebrate it?
On February 20, our nation will celebrate what is now referred to as Presidents Day. It is meant to honor and remember the past presidents of the U.S. and their contributions to creating the country it is today.
To many states, the day remains Washington's Birthday. February 22 is President George Washington's actual birthday. Our first president was elected to that post by a unanimous vote in 1789. His birthday was made a national holiday in 1885.
Often referred to as the Father of Our Country, Washington inspired his group of ragtag troops to victory over the British, and later presided over the Constitutional Convention. Both Washington D.C. and the state of Washington are named after him. The monument bearing his name is one of the most recognizable tributes in our nation's capital. The U.S. Senate takes a moment to read his Farewell Address every year, a tradition that dates back to 1862.
Washington's Birthday is now celebrated on the third Monday of February each year, but to some states, it is known as Presidents Day. Advocates in the 1960s wanted to honor both Washington and President Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is February 12, on a single federal holiday. Lincoln is known for his Civil War presidency during which he freed the slaves, but saw the nation break apart and begin the Civil War. His famous Gettysburg Address is considered one of the greatest speeches of all time. Contrary to popular belief, Washington's birthday has never been officially changed to Presidents Day.
Written By: David Dougherty
