Wilmington NC Real Estate Blog

Carolina Beach has really amped up its reputation in the past few years. Personally I've seen many changes that have made this island one of the top attractions on the east coast. The beaches themselves are constantly looked over and kept in pristine condition. You can always expect large, white sandy beaches with some of the nicest waters around. If you need beach gear, Pleasure Island Rentals will have it. At the end of the day after basking in the sun the last thing on your mind is returning all of your chairs and umbrella's. No worries. Their staff will come to the beach and pick them up for you.

Freeman Park is one of the few beaches left on the east coast that allows you to drive your 4X4 on the beach. Freeman Park is located at the north end of Carolina Beach. It is over 1 1/2 miles of pure beach entertainment. Bring your coolers, fishing rods, grills and all of your favorite beach games and be prepared for lots of fun. If camping is your thing, overnight stays are welcomed. Be sure to bring your tent and something to contain your campfire. Life is good. Passes are only $20/day and $100/year.
 
If hanging on the beach is not your thing, no problem. Carolina Beach State Park, which is located on the back side of the island, is a great place to get out and explore. There is plenty camping areas and miles of trails for your enjoyment. Tons of wildlife and mature trees all around which make you forget your even at the beach.
Just a few miles further south is the Fort Fisher Aquarium. With both fresh and saltwater tanks, this aquarium gives you a feel of what kind of marine life fill the local Cape Fear waters. Very impressive layout and voted one of the best aquariums in North Carolina.

Something that everyone likes to do is eat and Carolina Beach has plenty of places to do just that. You can expect the freshest seafood in most of the restaurants. Michael's Seafood has been in the area for years. They have a seafood chowder that not only wins the local chowder cook offs but as of 2010 have began distributing their famous chowder in Harris Teeters across the Country. You have to try this stuff.

The Ocean Grill & Tiki is one of the biggest hot spots on the island. Once again some of the freshest seafood around. The OG restaurant is located oceanfront which gives the patrons the best view than any other on the island. Their Tiki bar is built towards the end of what used to be Center Pier. Great drinks and top notch live music while being on top of the Atlantic Ocean is what makes the Ocean Grill is popular as it is today.

So many restaurants to choose from and so many things to do on Carolina Beach. There's nothing more to ask for except to live here.  For those looking at Carolina Beach real estate there are many properties availabe at great prices. 

The changes made to this island have made it one of the popular destinations to visit in North Carolina. What are you waiting for? Come have some fun!

If you are considering relocating to Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach or Kure Beach North Carolina one of the key considerations is the mild weather and year-round sunshine. It is one of the best places ever to thaw out from a long cold winter.

With this mild sub-tropical climate, lush foliage and beautiful flowering plants can be appreciated for nearly 265 days of the year and are celebrated during the Azalea Festival annually.  There are several opportunities to visit gardens throughout summer months that include the Wilmington Arboretum, the Backyard Organic tour at the Aquaponics Garden in Wilmington, Greenfield Lake botanical gardens, Airlie Gardens and the infamous private garden tour hosted during the Azalea Festival.

With the extended growing season and mild climates, outdoor farmers markets and fruit stands provide a great place to buy local homegrown, fresh vegetables, plants and trees. The Riverfront Farmers Market, Poplar Grove Farmers Market and the Downtown Farmers Market are just a few to visit and enjoy.  Be sure to support your local farmers!

If you are a water lover it is easy to enjoy the warm water from Memorial Day until Thanksgiving! It’s a surfer and kite surfer’s paradise! The constant ocean breeze and wind factor allows for high-flying kite surfing and is fun to watch from the South end of Wrightsville Beach. Families can appreciate the many swim and yacht clubs that provide easy beach access and a cool dip in the swimming pool on the way home from a long day at the beach.

The mild weather is also a great reason to meet with friends and neighbors to enjoy an outdoor venue along the Cape Fear River in downtown Wilmington or on a pier along one of the area beaches. In fact, between the seafood and Eastern North Carolina BBQ, that alone is reason enough to find a fantastic restaurant with outdoor seating any time of year. One of my favorite’s so far was Mixto, downtown, where I enjoyed their super affordable Sunday brunch. The shrimp and grits special was delicious and was served with the best Bloody Mary ever. When the server came to the table with a shot of beer to accompany the Bloody, I knew right away that I'd go back to enjoy their menu and outdoor patio dining in the fresh Wilmington air.

As a golf lover and hater, I decided that I better find the best hiding spot for the cool new golf balls I got for Christmas. Living in Golf-World in the Cape Fear region of North Carolina, I found about a million choices. With an abundance of beautiful and challenging golf courses, picking a favorite is nearly impossible. So many golf courses, so little time....that being said, location and play time always ranks high for me. Within a short distance from downtown Wilmington and Pleasure Island beaches I discovered Beau Rivage Resort.

Since I haven?t lived here for twenty years and didn?t have a grandmother who took me along in the cart as Captain Cocktail, I have not had the pleasure to experience this golf course. So I decided to check it out and see if Beau Rivage Resort was a possibility for me and, oh yes, my real estate clients. Having a broker?s license is the perfect excuse to become an avid golfer. After all, aren?t real estate agents always working? And what better place to show off your tricks of the trade than in between drives and putts. Lots of air time on the golf course.

Since I?ve owned golf course property, I knew the first questions a potential buyer would ask: Why live in Beau Rivage? What are the amenities? What are houses selling for? What?s on the market now? Does a membership come with the home or lot? If not, what kind of memberships are available? How much are the green fees if I don?t buy a
membership?

Okay, before I get into the cost of living in Beau Rivage, here?s a little historical info: Beau Rivage Plantation is a residential development with an 18-hole, championship golf course. Initially, the development was slated for over a 1,000 single family homes and townhouse units around the golf course which is a little over 6,700 yards. Today, the
front nine is developed with about 500 lots and these are 95% built-out. A couple years ago a group of lawyers came in and saved the day by buying the remaining undeveloped land situated around the back nine. These guys are holding on until the economy turns around and then they will reevaluate the market. The golf course is not a typical coastal course-it actually has undulating, wooded hills, elevated tee boxes and greens and last, but not least, several of the holes have frontage on the Cape Fear River. Any golf course with an impressive water feature like the Cape Fear River appeals to me and my water-seeking golf balls. On the listing side, this gives sellers a huge edge in the amenity department. Who doesn?t want to see a lazy river in the background as they?re yelling “Four”.....and of course, cruising in your golf cart always makes me feel like I?m on vacation.

Here are the answers you?re all waiting for:

Why Beau Rivage and what are the amenities?
Beau Rivage Plantation is a full service golf resort with thirty-two hotel rooms, banquet facility, mature landscaping, low HOA dues, and reasonable membership fees. If golfing isn?t your thing, there are tennis courts, a full service restaurant, an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool and a large Tiki Bar. Pool and Bar being the operative words
here.

What are houses selling for and what?s available now?
I found six homes listed with an average asking price of about $128.00 per square foot. Compared to the actual sold prices per square foot, sellers only had to reduce their list price by 5% and the average days on the market was just over size six months. Not too habby considering this crazy market.

There have been six home sales from $290,000 to $455,000 and one lot sale. I noticed there?s only been one foreclosure reported in the MLS in the past six months, which tells me this is a relatively stable neighborhood with long term residents. Click here too see current homes for sale in Beau Rivage.  Want to build? Hurry up, there?s only two lots listed in Beau Rivage and they?re around $150,000.

What memberships are available and how much are the green fees?

• Family Membership- $2400 a year or $200 a month. This is the full tilt boogie plan which includes everyone and everything along with discounts on the hotel rooms, merchandise and pool passes.

• Couple Membership- $2,040 a year or $170 a month. Ok, you and your spouse with full amenity package and discounts.

• Single Membership- $1680 a year or $140 a month. Full use for the single member with the added bonus use of the pool for your spouse.

• Out of Town Membership- $675 a year for full golf, tennis and pool amenities.

And there are Social and Seasonal Pool Memberships available for use of the Driving Range, Tennis courts and the Pool. Green Fees for the public and non-members range from $20 to $39 for nine to eighteen holes - and a free range bucket is included with every 18 hole round.  So, buyers, sellers, golfers, tennis players, swimmers, drinkers, grandma, grandpa and long lost uncle, call me and I?ll introduce you to Charlie, Ellen and Jake Walker, the
owners and operators of the Beau Rivage Plantation Golf Course.

Waterford of the Carolinas: What’s in a name?

Wilmington and surrounding beaches can certainly boast some of the most impressive and desirable real estate in NC (some may even argue the entire east cost).  However, not all premiere views have to be oceanfront.  Leland’s Waterford of the Carolinas community has been garnering growing attention from homebuyers nationwide since its groundbreaking… and for good reason.   The thoughtfully planned community situates nearly each of its 800+ home sites with plentiful water views.  The vast network of lakes, canals and creeks that thread Waterford’s naturally lush environment creates a haven for water lovers desiring beautiful homes in pristine surrounds.  Aside from boating, canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing, residents also have access to a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, fitness center and miles of expertly maintained hiking trails.   

The community design captures the essence of relaxed, southern charm with boulevards winding outward from the central clubhouse and thriving recreation center. You’ll find a resort-style pool with a cabana bar, four Har-tru tennis courts, and the stately clubhouse with a media/game room and a fully-equipped fitness facility.  Steps from the clubhouse is a sandy beach with a volleyball court and plenty of room for lounging and sunbathing in warmer months.
Leland is fast becoming the area’s newest and most convenient “outside the city” oasis.  With Waterford as its anchor, residents have every amenity and service at their fingertips.  A thriving commercial district flanks the entrance to the development, including a Harris Teeter and Rite Aid, five banks, six restaurants, quaint boutiques coffee shops and 13 medical providers. Wal-Mart and Lowes are on the other side of the road and downtown Wilmington is a 5-minute drive away. To the south, Myrtle Beach is about an hour’s drive.

Three builders are putting up the last of the distinctive homes in this beautiful neighborhood. Leisure Homes, spearheaded by Bobby Harrelson and Bert Exum, has a 70-year history in Wilmington’s building industry. Logan Homes is a name well known throughout Wrightsville Beach and Figure Eight Island. Cottage Homes prides itself on building unique and relaxed cottage-style homes with open floor plans and outdoor living areas. From grand estate homes to low maintenance vacation properties, the offerings are exceptional. Search Waterford of the Carolinas homes now as single family home prices in range from the low $200,000’s to $500,000.  Town homes range from $180,000 to $200,000.  So when it comes to pristine real estate and premiere Coastal Carolina living, Waterford is a name not to be missed.

Spring has Sprung!  Azaleas in Full Bloom

In case you haven’t noticed, things are in bloom all over coastal North Carolina.  It’s no coincidence we’re in the midst of the famed Azalea Festival here in Wilmington.  All over town, the area is bursting with pinks, whites and purples.  The normally unassuming flora is in its once-a-year crowning glory.  The mix of our particular climate and sandy soil  makes for perfect azalea conditions, and they absolutely thrive here, especially in the shade of picture perfect majestic oaks. 

If you haven’t visited our area while the azaleas are in full bloom, it’s something that shouldn’t be missed.  Early April is THE time to combine a vacation to our fair city with a scouting trip to view the Wilmington NC homes for sale you’ve been eyeing online.  But don’t worry, if you miss those few weeks in April when these flowers are exploding with color, don’t be too disappointed...from here on out, there is always something blooming in Wilmington in spring and summer.  (Come July, the crepe myrtles trees take over as the show-stoppers!)

I thought I would provide a little azalea info to all of you gardeners out there (or non-gardeners as these plants require so little to maintain!).  Since I could soon find you that perfect property and you might just be our very next Wilmingtonian, you should become familiar with growing our favorite flowering yard accessory.  According to the Azalea Society of America (yes, there actually is one!), here are a few tips.

Azaleas are relatively pest-free, forgiving and easy to grow plants. Their cultural needs include:

• Moderate temperatures (USDA cold hardiness zones 6 to 8, minimum -10 to +20° F.), although many varieties can thrive in much lower temperatures, and others in much higher temperatures.
• High shade is preferable but some varieties do well in full sun, especially deciduous varieties. While more sun typically produces more compact plants with more blooms, the blooms will not last as long.
• Slightly acid soil(pH 5.5-6) is best and is usually found under oak, pine and holly trees.
• A mulch of pine bark, pine needles or wood chips helps to keep moisture in the ground, even out changes in the soil temperature, and keep weeds out. An inch or so around the root zone and a thicker layer between the plants is desirable.
• Azaleas do not like "wet feet". Good drainage is most easily provided by planting azaleas with the tops of their root balls a few inches above ground level and mounding the soil up to the plants. This is particularly important with heavy clay soil.
• Azaleas like moist soil at their roots. This may require supplemental watering through early fall, at least until plants are established in the ground for a few years. Adequate water after bloom helps to produce more flower buds for next year. An infrequent deep soaking is more effective than superficial sprinkling. The amount of water needed depends on the soil, temperature, humidity, wind and sunlight. In a dry fall, water heavily after a good frost, before cold weather sets in.
• Established azaleas do not need fertilizer.  To avoid inducing new growth which may be killed in the winter, do any fertilizing in late winter or early spring; never after July 1.
• To avoid cutting off next year's flower buds, do major pruning of azaleas soon after they bloom. Shortening or removal of long slender stems with no side shoots and cutting out dead wood may be done at any time.

Happy flowering,

Shannon

If you’re looking for a community that has this long-time real estate term in spades, look no further than Landfall. The homes within Landfall run the gamut.  Most Wilmingtonians (and beyond) know that Landfall offers homes in the multi-millions, but many are surprised that homes in such a prestigious community actually start in the $200’s!  From patio homes to sprawling estates, this is a place that truly offers it all in terms of availability, view, location and floor plan.  Take it from one agent that has sold homes to a school teacher and a CEO in one week, Landfall is quite diverse.  And not only are the homes diverse, so are the residence.  Not just retirees or vacationers, most don’t realize Landfall is made up of approximately 85% full-time residents, and over 500 children!  There are even two school bus stops, basketball court, baseball diamond, volleyball court, soccer field and popular playground al on site for all residents, despite being a club member or not.  There are also miles of hiking trails through the dedicated conservation area, a ICWW-front park for reflecting near the water, and a one mile walking path around picturesque Landfall Lake.  But if residents choose to partake in Country Club of Landfall membership, they can enjoy the use of all this, the renowned golf courses, and the newly renovated Sports Center with tennis, pool and state-of-the-art workout facility.  For dining, club members can choose between several venues.  The “tavern” at the CCL Clubhouse is more low-key and relaxed, while the formal dining room offers a true dining experience.  The cuisine at both locations is excellent, and most Landfall residents take advantage of special events and constantly changing menus.

So I was talking about location...as one client recently commented that he could run to the grocery for a few staples, then to the library, grab a bite at one of Wilmington’s best restaurants, hit the bank and gas station, and be back in what seems like minutes!  It’s all just outside of the gates.  And I didn’t even mention that one of NC’s best beaches is just across the waterway.  You could ride your bike a little more than a mile for a swim in the Atlantic! Click here to  view Landfall real estate listings and when you are considering a community in Wilmington, NC, don’t miss out on it’s most sought-after community...in the heart of everything.  Landfall.