Wilmington NC Real Estate Blog

Located 30 minutes north of Wilmington NC is the barrier island of Topsail.  Due to the islands more isolated location from any major city or towns, this popular vacation beach maintains a low key, family atmosphere with a small beach town charm.  The island itself is notably larger than any of its southerly sister islands Wrightsville Beach (4 miles) and Carolina Beach (7 miles), boasting 26 miles total from tip to tip.  There are more than 1,200 homes on the island but the year round population is only about 500 residents, however peak season can bring in over 7,000 visitors weekly. 

Going back to the 1700’s, Topsail Island earned its name from North Carolina’s rich pirate history.  Pirates hid behind the island waiting to attack passing merchant ships stocked with goods.  As warnings got out, mariners became more vigilant watching for the “top sails” of pirate ships sticking up behind the islands dunes, hence the name Topsail Island.

Up until World War II, access to the island was only by boat and was largely undeveloped.  The US Military decided to occupy the island during WWII and changed its future destiny by dredging channels, building roads and connecting water utilities.  After the war, the Military released the island to the public and the town was incorporated in 1963.

Topsail actually comprises three townships:  North Topsail, Surf City and the Town of Topsail.  North Topsail occupies the northern section with extensive marsh and estuary environments.  The residences are mostly single family homes but one of the only high rise condos on the island can be found here.  Surf City is the center of the island where the island connects to the mainland from the classic “swing bridge” along the intracoastal.  Surf City is the commercial hub for restaurants, shopping and entertainment.  Located at the southern tip is the Town of Topsail.  Mostly residential cottages, the vibe is quiet and laid back.  Boaters will enjoy some of the most beautiful cruising water behind the island in the wide sound.

In terms of real estate for sale, there were 514 sales recorded in 2011.  This is up from only 458 sales in 2010.  Prices are very favorable and interest rates continue to be historically low which is kicking off a strong start in 2012.  A current client of mine has been able to make an offer in the lower $400,000 price range for a newer built beach front home on South Shore Dr, just south of the Surf City Pier.  Along the island, various condos and town homes can be found from $100,000-$300,000.  Beach front town homes and single family homes will start in the $400,000 price range and can easily exceed a million dollars.  Investors looking to make money on their beach properties can expect rental income between $30,000-$50,000 dollars during peak season weeks for a typical 3-4 bedroom.

If you are in the market for a beach home on Topsail Island, be sure to give me a call.  I live for the beach and I hope to meet you soon.

Ben Szafran, Broker, 910-713-9323, Ben@BlueCoastRealEstate.com

In the early 1990’s The Cottage” was noted as one of the more popular style of homes built. Since then Cottages in the coastal North Carolina communities of Southport and Holly Ridge have become increasingly popular. In fact, Cardinal Builders, recipient of the 2011 Brunswick County Parade of Homes Diamond Award for their community The Cottages at Southport, designed and constructed two communities around this bungalow-style cottage idea!

Cardinal Builders chose Southport, NC as the destination for their award winning community for several reasons. Known as one of North Carolina’s finest retirement communities, Southport is located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River where it intersects with the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. Antique shops, art galleries and fantastic restaurants offering southern culinary delights can be found when walking along the historic downtown streets and the Cottages at Southport community is merely 5 miles from the beach and Oak Island.

Cardinal Builders provides nine floor plans from which you can choose to live in The Cottages at Southport community. These include The Seashell, The Surfside, The Seaside II, The Seagull, The Surfside II, The Sandfiddler, The Southport, The Sand Dune, and The Seahaven Cottage. All floor plans are energy star certified, offer the finest craftsmanship available and come with a 10-year bonded builder warranty. These spacious, comfortable homes make it easy to relax and enjoy the North Carolina coastal lifestyle! With columned front porches, expansive decks and fantastic landscaping it’s a great place for social gatherings or dinner outdoors.

These newly constructed homes will range in price from $226,900 to $322,900 and range in size from 1,333 to 2,472 total livable square feet. Floor plans include two to four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and come with 2-car garage. Finishes include luxurious wood floors, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplace, designer kitchen cabinets and ceramic tile baths.

With onsite sales centers we are there to answer your questions and make buying one of these desirable homes easy and enjoyable. We understand the anxiety can be daunting when buying your first home or are trying to make a decision about the perfect place to settle during retirement. We have created great relationships with local and top lenders, appraisers and attorneys that specialize in real estate. So whether it’s a financial or contract question you may have we can find the answer.

For more information on The Cottages at Southport or others listings represented by Wayne Bigg BlueCoast Realty Corporation, visit http://www.wilmingtonnchomes.com/wayne-bigg/.

Written By:  BlueCoast REALTOR Wayne Bigg

Come and play at Wrightsville Beach…..

As most locals know, Wrightsville Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on east coast. It is a small
island located east of Wilmington in New Hanover County, 4 miles of emerald/blue beach that will take
your breath away. Whether you are fishing off the Johnny Mercers Pier, waiting your turn in the “line up”
to catch the perfect wave, or sitting on the Oceanic Pier sipping on frozen drink you are only taking in a
few benefits this island has to offer. There are so many little quaint attractions and restaurants to frequent
but this small island often gets forgotten to people who live in the town of Wilmington, and to people who
are looking for a great place to vacation or relocate. Here are some things to do when at Wrightsville
Beach:

Johnny Mercers Pier-This pier is located in the middle of the island, it was once a small wooden fishing
pier but was re-built and opened in 2000 to a massive concrete pier with a café and arcade. People enjoy
taking a stroll down the pier to watch the fisherman or witness the local surfers catching a few waves.
There is also ample day parking here with a beach access that has bathroom faculties and a place to wash
off the sand and salt.

The “Loop”-The loop is a sidewalk that circles all the way around the island, people enjoy walking their
dogs and jogging or power walking. There is a small park located at the start, along with
a museum displaying the islands history.

LagerHeads-If you are the area, Lagerheads is a local biker bar you will want to check out. It is located in
the heart of Wrightsville Beach where all the nightlife takes place.

Dockside-This restaurant has the most beautiful views of the ICWW along with succulent seafood, and
southern fare. You can pull right up on your boat and dock as you walk right in to a great meal.

Hotels-The island has several great places to stay while you are visiting, VRBO has great deals on
oceanfront as well as sound side condos. There is also the Holiday Inn Sunspree, Shell Island Resort and
The Surfmaster located right next to the Oceanic Restaurant.

Local shopping-Wrightsville Beach offers a variety of shops, to name a few not to miss~ Hallelu,
Sweetwater Surf Shop, and Redix.

For more info on Wrightsville Beach check out http://www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/ and
http://www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com/.

Written By:  BlueCoast REALTOR Carly Gravely

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

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

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

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

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

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