Wilmington NC Real Estate Blog

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

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. 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Tax Advantage - Mortgage interest is can be taken as a tax deduction, lowering your income tax liability; no portion of rent is tax deductible.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 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

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 4^th largest summer weekend behind Memorial
Day, July 4^th, 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

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 5^th 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

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.

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

If you are considering water front property in the New Hanover area, consider the gem of the Cape Fear River! The main difference between purchasing property on the River or buying on the Ocean or Intracoastal is the vast nature and privacy you are surrounded by. Not to mention experiencing the most spectacular sunsets that coastal Carolina has to offer! It is also amazing to watch the many ships roll by all afternoon and evening.  It is not uncommon to watch dolphins jumping either! Do you want to look into your neighbors window, or do you want to look out at large live oaks, eagles,hawks, bluebirds, cranes, egrets, pelicans, osprey and other amazing wildlife!

This particular piece of land at 8126 River Rd is over 2 acres with 110 ft of River Frontage! It is located on deep water for all you big boat lovers! The expansive private lot is peaceful while remaining convenient to beaches, downtown, hospital, Monkey Junction and Independence Shopping. What a peaceful stroll down the 800 ft dock of this property where the only sounds you here are natures sweet songs. Just minutes to open ocean and fishing. Relax in the privacy that you just can't get on the Ocean!  Beautiful marsh land with amazing wildlife! Build your dream house.

The location of this piece of land is just a few miles to historic Downtown's River front and all it has to offer and also just a few miles into the open Ocean through majestic Snows Cut.

If you want Serenity Now, seriously consider this gorgeous piece of property! Priced at it's January 2012 appraised
value. Survey and additional information available upon request. Contact Christina Erichsen at (910)836-8021 for more information on this land or others located on the Cape Fear.

Beau Rivage Plantation is a beautiful semi gated community surrounding a championship golf course located 15 min to the beach. This semi gated community allows one main entrance to the Beau Rivage Golf and Resort for golfers and guest to arrive and two other gated entrances that only home owners can use. This means no driving through the community by people who do not live here. This allows residents to walk, jog, ride bikes and use golf carts without through traffic. You can have your very own golf cart to enjoy a trip to the pool or tennis courts. With homes from the mid $150ks to $400 there is something for everyone. There are homes located directly on the course so you can sit back and watch some golf.

If you are not into golf, living in a golf community if very relaxing surrounded by a peaceful green surroundings. There are even lots still available if you can't find an existing home you like. Beau Rivage is a close 15 minute drive to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach and 15 min drive to historic downtown and many fine restaurants and dining experiences. Downtown Wilmington has a lot to offer. It is the home of the Coast Guard “Diligent”; you can get river boat tours, historic tours on a horse drawn carriage and walking tours telling all about the history of Wilmington. At Beau Rivage you are close to everything.

The area around Beau Rivage Community is known as Monkey Junction and Myrtle Grove. This area is growing quickly with new retail stores, Wal-Mart, Lowes, Home Depot, and many other businesses and offices are being built and leased. There is talk of a new movie theater is being built.

Living in “The Beau” as the locals call it, give you access to memberships to join the Beau Rivage Golf and Resort for swimming, tennis and golf. Check out Beau Rivage Golf and Resort website for details. There is a golf pro shop, breakfast and lunch are
available and everyone can visit “Peanuts” the 19^th hole to talk about the day.

Beau Rivage Golf & Resort has hotel accommodations with old-fashioned charm, great for golf packages, family vacations, banquet events and other enjoyable getaways. The clubhouse is a great place to relax, sit on the back porch and look out over the golf course and rejuvenate your spirit.

Written By:   BlueCoast agent David Dougherty

When I first moved here on Carolina Beach (‘96), it was on a whim. I came down to meet my good buddy ‘s  little brother because I was done living in a big city. He was living in a 2 bed 2 bath condo by himself across the street from the beach. The first thing I noticed on my way was the charter fishing boats down on the basin. I grew up in a neighborhood with 2 huge ponds and all I could think about was catching bass. My dog ,Tex , and I would crush it. Anyways, I knew that fishing was something I wanted to do. I’m sure my dad would rather me do something else with my degree he paid for. My mom the opposite. “You do whatever makes you happy”. So I did and I became a fisherman.
Fishing here is incredible. You can catch just about anything . It all matters in the time of year and if you want to fish inshore or offshore. Let me get started by telling you about Gulf Stream fishing.
Soo.. if you’re a fresh water fisherman and are use to fishing with Hula Poppers, Jitterbugs.,Lunker Buzzes, Devil Horses, Zara Spooks, and Tiny Torpedo‘s, your in for a good time. Most of the baits used in the gulf stream are top water baits and man when the fish hit, it’s an explosion. It’s not just a hit, it makes the drag sing and most of the time you have no idea what is on the line .I know what I’m hoping for, the big bad Blue Marlin. The only thing is that you release the Blue Marlin. In my eye‘s, I think the best fish in the sea is Yellowfin Tuna. It’s a fish that won’t stop until it’s in the kill box. 1 tuna and your whooped for the day. Filet that thing up, soy wasabi, your good to go. Since I’m babbling, Wahoo is just about as good a fish that usually sky rockets when it hits your bait and can spool your reel in no time. You better hope you have wire leader because those things have interlocking razor sharp teeth. The best way to describe a Wahoo is “ A super turbo charged King Mackerel with racing stripes.” Both fish are good cooked anyway you like it. I would recommend medium rare or just seared for with a side of soy/wasabi. BooYoww! There are so many different varieties of fish in the Gulf Stream. If you’ve never seen a Mahi Mahi while hooked , it’s one you won’t forget. The colors are unbelievable. If you hit King Mackerel season at the right time , your going to experience the time of your life. King Mackerel are usually found in schools closer inshore of the Gulf Stream. The best way to catch King Mackerel is to hold your mouth right. If you can get in to a school of King Mackerel on light tackle, there’s nothing better. King Mackerel is another good eaten fish. Steak um! Some of the best fish steaks you’ll ever have.
Finally, a little about inshore fishing. Have you had fresh Spanish Mackerel? A small version of King Mackerel but all the way from Spain. Just kidding, no these things can bite, I’m talking 80 in 3 hours. They are a great fish to eat. A little smaller than other filets but if you like fried fish, Shandahhh! There is a limit to the amount you can keep. Once you reach the 80 mark it’s time to go shark fishing. Always a good time, kids love it, and the shark only gets a sore lip. Normally we would release all sharks.
The head boats are always taking large groups out to catch some tasty bottom fish. If it’s just 1 or 2 of you that are fishing, head boats is a much more affordable route to go. Snapper ,Grouper, and Sea Bass are just a few of the species you will catch? Chicken of the sea! Bottom fish is some of the best eating fish available.
Carolina Beach is the bee’s knee’s when it comes to fishing. The state record Blue Marlin was caught by Mike King, from Carolina Beach. If you want to see it, look upstairs in the Carolina Beach True Value Hardware Store. It’s mounted and it’s hard to believe, a fish weighing over 1200 pounds. I know I would never put my hands on that liter.
The fishing here on Carolina Beach is incredible. There’s not a bad time of year to charter a boat. Schedule a trip and you will have memories that last a lifetime.

Written By:   BlueCoast agent Jeff Humphrey