Wilmington NC Real Estate Blog
Wrightsville Beach Farmer's Market
There is no telling what you will find, but you can be assured that everything is of high quality as strict guidelines are enforced. This idea started about three years ago and has been a big hit on the island. You have the chance to stroll along and meet the actual farmers and can ask all of your “farming questions” if you are curious to know how something is grown. Everyone is friendly and this atmosphere promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Reasons it's time for a home in 2012!
It's true that money can't buy happiness, but knowing that the value of your assets will grow over time does give you peace of mind.
Negative press is leaving some home buyers stuck on the fence, but here are a few reasons to climb down.
In the long run you come out ahead; in the short run you enjoy your home. The paper value of your home won't rise much in the next couple of years. But if you want a home where you can raise your children or retire for the rest of your life, the paper value will rise significantly, or probably double or triple during that time.
The recent survey by the Hartford/MIT Lab's Home for a Lifetime survey shows that half of all homeowners prefer their current home for retirement. Another 10 percent may choose to retire there, but aren't yet sure.
A home is like a savings account. Your initial costs of home buying will come back to you many times over during the life of your mortgage. Your stake in the home builds every month. You'll have more than rent receipts in the future.
Mortgage payments are fixed; rental payments rise. On a fixed-rate mortgage, you know what your payment will be each month for years to come. (As inflation rises, you'll be making those payments with less expensive dollars.)
Apartment rents through the third quarter of 2010 were up 2.4 percent nationwide for the year and up twice that amount in larger cities. Nice apartments were hard to find because the national vacancy rate is the lowest since 2006, according to a study by real estate research firm Reis, Inc.
There are many more reasons for having a home of your own, reasons that have little to do with the financial aspects.
Stability and community. You get to know the neighbors. Your kids won't have to change schools. They can keep their friends. You get to know their teachers and which parks, neighborhood facilities and merchants are best for you. Studies show that as people develop positive relationships with neighbors, they have more happiness and less stress.
You get to be the boss. Dealing with a landlord and negotiating repairs are hassles you won't have to deal with. As the boss of your own place, you can paint, renovate and redecorate as much as you want and in any color or style you want.
-David Dougherty
513 Canal Drive A-7, Carolina Beach
Who would have thought that in 2012 the prices of property on Carolina Beach would have reached such an devastating low. Well that’s how many people perceive it. Unfortunately, property values have dropped in some cases over 30% since 2006. This has left many home homeowners in a bind. The plans of buying a home back then and possibly selling it in the somewhat near future are out the window. With all of the
foreclosures and “short sales” to compete with, it’s next to impossible to sell your home and come close to breaking even. With the economy and the way things have been lately, I’ve had many acquaintances forced to foreclose on their property. I’m sure it is not an easy situation to deal with. All you do is hold your head up high and keep moving forward.
With that being said, now is the time to buy property if your lucky enough to do so. Not just any property either but beach property. In my opinion beach property would be the ideal place to buy in these bad times. I feel that prices can only go up from here and now with interest rates being at record lows, it’s a “Win Win” situation. I can remember 5 years ago when I was just getting interested in property, you could not find a house on Carolina Beach that was under 200K that wasn’t a “tear down.” Now it’s amazing what you get for that kind of money.
There are more than 300 properties listed on the MLS on Carolina Beach today. Most of them are fantastic deals. One property that come to mind is 513 Canal Dr. A-7. This is a 3 bedroom, 2 full bath condo located directly on the Sound. Off of your back deck you have views that a king would appreciate. If you are into boating, this condo would suit all of your needs. While on your back deck, with the beverage of your choice, there is usually some kind of boat that is slowly passing by. You have sailboats, shrimp boats, charter fishing boats, yachts, personal cruisers, etc… The list goes on. Not only do you get to enjoy the scenery of everyone else’s boat but this particular property comes with a boat slip. Not just any boat slip either. This unit A-7 has a 50‘+ slip that can hold your Jon Boat all the way up to your personal yacht. If you don’t have a boat, the HOA allows you to rent your boat slip as long as the renters abide by the HOA rules. If that doesn’t entice you enough already, the sunsets will. Have you ever looked over the Sound at night? If you have, I know you would agree that the views are just as spectacular. With all of the lights, it’s like Christmas time 365 days a year. If you’re an ocean person, the front deck will be to your liking. Because unit A-7 is on the third floor, it allows incredible views of the ocean. Just steps from the beach you hear the waves crashing. There’s nothing more relaxing, of course with the beverage of your choice. Unit A7 also happens to be a corner unit as well. What does this mean? It means that while your inside your home the views are still there. There are windows all along the side which gives you expansive views of both the Sound and the ocean all while relaxing in your living room.
So, if your fortunate enough to buy property, I would recommend everyone to come see this property and I know would agree that for $219,000 this is one of the best buys on Carolina Beach. Call Jeff Humphrey for showings @ 910-443-7558. This fabulous unit is vacant and can be shown on a moments notice. Come by and check out 513 Canal Dr. A-7 and see what living is all about. You won’t regret it!
Making offers on Properties
Our market is heating up in the Wilmington, NC area. I want to talk today about making offers on properties. Should I or should I not make a FULL PRICE offer. This is a question to many of us think we know the answer to because of all the reading we do online or in newspapers. Your answer is probably NEVER, right? What is my answer?? It depends!
Losing deals to Multiple offer situations is happening every day in our market. Our sellers are starting to get the fact if they want to sell their house it needs to be priced right. Foreclosures and Short Sales have really started to drive prices down in
many areas. It is very important in our market today to look at each individual house differently when considering what to offer a Seller.
Let’s talk about how banks are pricing their FORECLOSURES. This is typically the market where FULL PRICE offers are more common. Most all banks are starting to price their foreclosures at a price that encourages multiple offers. I have lost deals to multiple offers lately because I can’t convince my buyers that a full price offer (or even above full price) is OK. After they don’t get the property they ask, “Why didn’t I get it?” Well....You didn’t listen! Banks may try to get “top dollar” for a very short period. They will then drop their price every 30-45 days until they find that price where buyers start going nuts. I was involved in a deal this week where I told my buyers that we need to make a full price offer and make it now! I told them we had no time to play around because at this price there will be multiple offers. They didn’t move quick enough. By the time we got our offer to the listing agent - 2 others were on their way!
Moral of this blog- If a property is priced RIGHT, it is OK to make a full price offer!
-Kirby Keene
2012 may be the year for you to buy!
The dream of home ownership may be more attainable than you may think. With the cost of homes and mortgage rates at their lowest in 15 years and with the cost to rent steadily rising, it makes more sense than ever to buy a home instead of renting.
Here are just few reasons 2012 may be the year for you to purchase a home.
- Low Purchase Price/Appreciated Value - With home prices at the most affordable in recent history, it is almost certain that the value of your home will increase. Currently there are countless opportunities to purchase a home at a fraction of its original cost.
- Low Mortgage Rates - Mortgage rates are at an historic low. Current rates make the monthly payments on a 30 year fixed-rate mortgage less than rent and in certain cases rates for a 15 year loan can you even more.
- Equity - Monthly rent payments is an expense that has no long term benefit. Monthly mortgage payments allow you to build equity that can be viewed as a savings plan. Often when you sell your home there can be a substantial gain without federal tax implications.
- Tax Advantage - Mortgage interest is can be taken as a tax deduction, lowering your income tax liability; no portion of rent is tax deductible.
- Budgeting Predictability – In most cases, mortgage payments are the same for the duration of the tern of the mortgage. Rents generally increase on a yearly basis.
- Flexibility - Whether decorating or own pets, owning a home gives you the flexibility to decorate as you wish or have the number of pets you wish.
- Stability - An advantage of home ownership is the stability achieved by remaining in a community for a number of years. Home ownership affords the opportunity to establish ties to a community, establish long term friendships and children can benefit from the educational continuity of attending school in their community.
These are just a few of the reasons purchasing a home in 2012 may be right for you. Purchasing a home is a big decision and can be overwhelming. Working with a real estate professional can make the process easier. Your real estate broker can work with you to provide options suitable to your individual needs and circumstances and will help you through every step of the home buying process.
-Jan Justice
Marsh Oaks
Marsh Oaks is a development that a person of any age would desire to live in from the young professional, growing family to the retiree. You will find town homes to custom built family homes in this community. As you enter the community you will be able to truly appreciate the landscaping and lighted entry in the evenings. I can say I have enjoyed residing in this development for 6 years and experienced the growth and atmosphere this community expresses. We have many events throughout the year on Holidays! It is a great neighborhood to ride your bike or take a stroll in the morning or evenings. You will notice everyone will be out and about with their families and pets. There are other amenities to enjoy with this community such as clubhouse that can be rented for special events with full kitchen, pool (toddler pool too), 2 tennis courts and playground. Very convenient to shopping at Mayfaire, Gold’s Gym, golf courses, specialty stores/restaurant in Porters Neck and Wrightsville Beach is only a 15 minute drive.
With over 450 acres in this community you still have opportunities to purchase wooded lots and build your dream home or pick from
our re-sales of custom homes/townhomes that are presently on the market and move-in ready homes.
Come visit us N of Hwy 17 towards Hampstead!!! I would enjoy showing you the Marsh Oaks Community.
-Cami Marley
Surfing in Wrightsville Beach, NC
The beach the endless options of year round water sports has been a draw to the Wilmington coastal area for many years. This could not be truer for Surfers who own homes and real estate in the area and frequent the accessible islands of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina/Kure Beach and Topsail. Each island has its own version of breaking waves, but Wrightsville Beach stands out with its consistency and proximity to greater Wilmington.
Thanks to online surf reports and advanced weather forecasts, it’s never been easier to catch the perfect breaking swell on
Wrightsville Beach. Surfers from as far away as Raleigh will make the trek down to the coast, timing the perfect window
of tide, wind and swell for an epic surf day. One of the most frequently accessed surf reports can be found at www.Wblivesurf.com.
Wrightsville Beach is usually the go to beach because it is most central. However, Wrightsville tends to be sure bet for the best waves because of its unique characteristics. The island favors slightly deeper water offshore which allows swells to approach the beach with more power and intensity. The islands orientation to the east-southeast favors a large swell window, accepting swells
from many directions year round. The water is also more aqua green due to less river outflow that is found around
Topsail and Carolina Beach. Most surfers head to C-Street which is directly between the islands two piers. Other areas include Shell Island and the long waves found on the outer sand bars of the inlet or the south end near Crystal Pier and the jetty wall.
The uncrowded alternative to Wrightsville is heading 25 miles south to Carolina and Kure Beach. Surfers frequent the north end of the beach better known for vacation condos around the Sun skipper Pier. Working down the beach on Lake Park Blvd, surfers will stop at Pelican Watch, Poo Pipe and down to Kure Beach pier and the Fort Fisher area. Fort Fisher has one of the only natural
limestone reefs on the Carolina coast which form long rideable waves from northerly swells.
The best swells are produced by low pressure storms originating off of the Georgia-Florida coast but Atlantic Hurricanes in the
fall season and North Easters in the winter are also excellent swell sources. The best time of year to score a great surfing day is between September and November. The water is stays relatively warm up to Thanksgiving and the Atlantic is very active providing many rideable days.
Surfing has become so popular in this part of North Carolina that a professional contest-the Sweetwater Pro-has become a major annual event in July on Wrightsville Beach. Retailers say it has become the 4th largest summer weekend behind Memorial
Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. One of the event organizers is local professional surfer Ben Bourgeois who has become an international surfing sensation.
If you like surfing or enjoy any water based activity around the beaches of Wilmington, this is the place for you to call home. Give me a call if you are interested in beach real estate or homes in the greater area.
Ben Szafran, Broker & Surfer, 910-713-9323,
ben@bluecoastrealestate.com
Downtown Wilmington
Historic downtown Wilmington is one of the major attractions of this beautiful coastal town. Packed full of history and southern charm this is one stop to keep on your list of things to do while vacationing in the area. Take a walk along the Cape Fear River via the River-walk which runs alongside shops and restaurants rich with old world charm and new age style. Or you could choose to take a sunset cruise down the Cape Fear on the Henrietta III steamboat which offers a dinner and dancing every Friday and Saturday.
If shopping and dining aren’t on the top of your list perhaps you would be more interested in visiting one of the many historical sites located in the downtown area. Downtown is home to the USS North Carolina Battleship which is located right along the Cape Fear and is a must see for history buffs. Access to the battleship allows you to explore on your own and let history come alive! While walking the decks, through the kitchen, the infirmary, by beds which hang from chains along walls you can learn of the daily life of the soldiers who occupied the vessel. The battleship is open every day of the year from 8-5 in the winter and 8-8 in the summer.
The Bellamy Mansion is another must see located on the corner of 5th St. and Market St. The 22 room mansion was built in 1858 and is rumored to be haunted by ghosts of the Civil War. The old Bellay home was taken over by Federal Troops during the Civil War has since been turned to a museum that is open daily. The cost is $10 for adults and $4 for children, and is open from Tuesday-Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 1-5.
If nightlife is what you’re looking for, look no further as there are more than thirty different pubs and night-clubs to choose from. The bars are condensed which makes for short walking distances enabling stops at many different spots. There is something to keep everyone entertained, choose from cocktails along the River-walk, live music, dancing, jazz, or cocktails on one of the rooftop bars overlooking the beautiful downtown. No matter what your age or interests downtown has something to offer everyone so keep it on your list of things to do while visiting Wilmington!
Written by: BlueCoast agent Kathryn Jeffreys
4127 Chandler Drive
Nestled on three quarters of an acre in the Regency Manor section of Northchase, this well cared for home is ideal for a small family. The community of Northchase is not only in a convenient area, but it also offers a variety of amenities to its property owners which include a community swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, sidewalks, and walking trails. Throughout the community there are ponds with very unusual looking ducks. They are much bigger than common Mallard duck dark blue and green feathers, white spotted necks and red bills and I have only come across them in this neighborhood. The community is located off North College Road and is about a 10 minute drive to The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Trask Middle School and Laney High School are both across the street, and Wrightsboro Elementary School is a short 5 minute drive away. There is also a new park that just opened across the street, named Olsen Park. It includes five softball fields all equipped with lights, concession stands, and a playground for kids. It will take you about 15 minutes to get to Wrightsville Beach and by jumping on the Martin Luther King Parkway, you’ll be downtown Wilmington in 10 minutes.
The section of Northchase that the home resides in, Regency Manor, hosts some of the larger homes in the neighborhood and has sidewalks and street lights throughout. There are no thru streets so it is not a heavily trafficked area. The home sits on a beautifully treed parcel of land. Built in 1993 and being just over 1900 square feet , you’ll find this home to be larger than it is, due to the well designed layout and the high ceilings of the first floor living area. The designer color scheme and architectural detail and feature in the home make it feel like it was custom built. The master suite with its trey ceiling, large bathroom and walk in closet is on the first floor, while bedrooms two and three are up the wooden stair case on the second floor. The kitchen features ceramic tile flooring and stainless steel appliances and has plenty of counter space and cabinets for storage. Right off of the kitchen is the screened porch which opens up to an open air deck ideal for Bar-B-Q ing and entertaining. 4127 Chandler Drive has been a terrific place to call home for its current homeowners and will be for its future owners as well.
For more information about this home contact Listing Agent Steve Gaconnier at (910) 431-1181.
Deer Crossing - Stevens Fine Homes
Sitting just off Myrtle Grove Road, and less than 5 miles from beautiful Carolina Beach, you’ll find Deer Crossing, New Hanover County’s fastest growing new home community. With at least 18 different Euro and Craftsman style floor plans available from one Wilmington’s most trusted builders, Stevens Fine Homes, this Eco community features 20+ acres of conservation area with walking trails, a children’s adventure play area, dog park and numerous gardens. At a time when everyone is seeing how much they can stretch a dollar, Stevens Fine Homes is offering up an environmental and economical solution to your housing needs. With land and home packages starting at $169,000, and some floor plans available as low as $75/sf, you won’t break the bank getting into a new home. Furthermore, Stevens Energy Wise Plans offer increased efficiency that can save you up to 35% off your energy bill. If you have any questions about Deer Crossing or any one of Stevens many other fine communities across Southeastern NC, please give me a call.
Joel Sheesley
910.398.2222
Joel@BlueCoastRealEstate.com
