Wilmington NC Real Estate Blog

It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy – at least it should be!  To help you keep some green in your wallet and smiles on your faces, the good folks at CB Downtown Initiative, Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce and Town of Carolina Beach are once again offering up some fantastic FREE Family Fun for the summer. 

Every Tuesday night, beginning May 20, is Family Night on the boardwalk.  Featuring kids activities, variety shows, bounce houses and more!  630p ~ 830p.

Live Music most Thursday nights – check the calendar for line up and dates – at the Gazebo, followed by FIREWORKS!!  This weeks’ concert is on Friday, 5/23, and features David Dixon Trio and The Cut.  Fun begins at 630p.

Sunday nights you can catch a family friendly flick at Carolina Beach Lake.  Bring a chair, blanket and cooler of snacks.  No worries if you forget the cooler – there will be popcorn, sodas, candy and cotton candy for sale.  Movies begin at dusk and this weeks’ (5/25) flick is Frozen.  Check here for the complete summer schedule.

For more FREE Events in the Wilmington NC area bookmark this page and check back frequently.  If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Wilmington NC, give me a call.  I’m passionate about my community and helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals! Tish Lloyd Broker/REALTOR® BlueCoast Realty 910.547.1446.

It may only be May, but the temps sure are making it feel like Summer!  Hope you are able to get out and enjoy at least one of these wonderful FREE events! 

Thursday May 8

Filmmaking 101 for Teens: The Process

Filmmaker Larry Pinto and UNCW Film Studies student Anna Roberts share their movie-making knowledge with teens. Learn how a movie is created, from concept through pre-production, production, and post-production. Space is limited to 12 participants so please pre-register at the online calendar. Main Library Downtown 4:15p ~ 5:45p 

Board Game Night

Join the Wilmington Board Game Group for a free night of Board Gaming at Cape Fear Games. No experience necessary. 6p - 11p.

Friday May 9

Music on the Town Concert

The 10th Annual Music on the Town Concert Series at Mayfaire Town Center continues with a performance by classic rock band The Steady Eddies!  Bring your chairs, blankets and coolers!  Mayfaire Event Field located behind hh gregg and Ulta. Kids will enjoy the three bounce houses, cotton candy and snow cones. 6p ~ 9p.

Saturday May 10

Pedal in the Park

Celebrate National Bike Month with New Hanover County Parks & Gardens and Cape Fear SORBA.  SORBA kicks off “Trail Buddies,” a program introducing kids to the joys of mountain biking. Participants will learn about trail riding, trail and bicycle maintenance, and safety. Bicycles and helmets provided for participation. Please note: This event is geared toward 7-14 year olds. Blue Clay Bike Park 3840 Juvenile Center Drive Castle Hayne , NC 28429 10a ~ 3p. 

Story Art for Kids

Story Art at Myrtle Grove Library in features stories followed by an art activity inspired by books.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Please pre-register at the online calendar. 10a ~ 10:30a.

Diabolical Contrivances and Dirty Tricks

If you’re a history buff, this one sounds like great fun!  Explore the dirty tricks the Confederates played on the Union (and vice versa) including exploding mines and bio-warfare. 10a ~ 4p. Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic SiteWinnabow NC.

For more FREE Events in Wilmington NC bookmark this page and check back frequently.  If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Wilmington NC, give me a call.  I’m passionate about my community and helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals! Tish Lloyd Broker/REALTOR® BlueCoast Realty 910.547.1446.

It’s Spring in Wilmington!  Hope you are able to get out and enjoy at least one of these wonderful FREE events! 

Friday May 2

Music on the Town Concert

The 10th Annual Music on the Town Concert Series at Mayfaire Town Center kicks off tonight with a performance by Southern Trouble!  Bring your chairs, blankets and coolers!  Mayfaire Event Field located behind hh gregg and Ulta. Kids will enjoy  the three bounce houses, cotton candy and snow cones. 6p ~ 9p.

3^rd Annual Surfalorus Film Festival

Check in for WBLA Pro-AM, enjoy live music with The Carvers from 6p ~ 8p, and catch a movie at 8p.  Holiday Inn Sunspree  1706 North Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach.  More information at their website – Surfalorus.

Saturday May 3

25^th Annual River-to-Sea Bike Ride

The River-to-Sea Bike Ride is a 20-mile (round-trip) casually paced bicycle ride from downtown Wilmington to Wrightsville Beach on the Port City’s River-to-Sea Bicycle Route (Bike Route #1). All ages are welcome and helmets are required. Registration begins at 8a with an 8:30 departure time from the 100 block of North Front Street.  Refreshments and drawing for prizes will be at Wrightsville Beach at 10a. For more information visit their website – RivertoSeaBikeway.

4^th Annual Story Extravaganza

This is one you don’t want to miss! New Hanover County Public Library's 4th Annual Story Extravaganza for Children features live performances,  Dear Zoo Story Walk with Canines for Literacy, pirate crafts courtesy of the Children's Museum of Wilmington, activities with bugs courtesy of Cape Fear Museum, and free comic books via Memory Lane Comics. 9a ~ 12p at Northeast Regional Branch 1241 Military Cutoff Road.

Tennis: Give it a Try

If you’ve ever wanted to see if tennis is the sport for you, here’s your chance! This  program, for ages 18 to 40, is presented by the Greater Wilmington Tennis Association and Play Tennis NC.  Holly Tree Racquet and Swim Club 4950 Holly Tree Road.  10a ~ 12p. 

Sunday April 27

Residents FREE Day

The first Sunday of every month is New Hanover County Residents FREE day at Cape Fear Museum and Airlie Gardens. Check their sites for hours. 

For more FREE Events in Wilmington NC bookmark this page and check back frequently.  If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Wilmington NC, give me a call.  I’m passionate about my community and helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals! Tish Lloyd Broker/REALTOR® BlueCoast Realty 910.547.1446.

It’s Spring in Wilmington!  Hope you are able to get out and enjoy at least one of these wonderful FREE events!  

Friday April 25

Come enjoy a Spring evening in Downtown Wilmington NC with Fourth Friday Gallery Night.  It's an after-hours celebration of art and culture. 6p ~ 9p.

Saturday April 26

Earth Day Festival 

Wilmington Earth Day; featuring more than 60 informational booths, a Kid's Eco Zone, live local music, and food and drink.  Don’t miss the Nature Brigade Parade at 1:30p.  Off-site parking available at the old Cinema 6 movie theater parking lot on Oleander Drive (next to Tidal-Creek). Free trolley rides to the park. Hugh MacRae Park 314 Pine Grove Drive. 12p ~ 6p.

3^rd Annual Healthy Kids Day

3rd Annual Healthy Kids Day at Empie Park.  Hosted by the City of Wilmington and the YMCA, this event has something for every kid!  Test your skills on the bicycle obstacle course. Check out kids zumba, yoga, and bootcamp.  Enjoy tennis, lacrosse, volleyball, T-ball, soccer, or basketball. Take part in a 1-mile fun run/walk.  Health education booths, health screenings, farmers' market, and more.  Empie Park 3405 Park Avenue  9:30a ~ 1p.

The Storied South

Folklorist, Dr. William Ferris, will share footage from interviews he has conducted with famous Southerners like Eudora Welty, Pete Seeger and Alice Walker.  Featuring a performance of Southern blues music by The Whitley Brothers.  Northeast Regional Library 1241 Military Cutoff Road  2p.

Sunday April 27

Family Concert

The Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Wilmington Symphony Junior Strings present a Free Family Concert at Kenan Auditorium.  601 S. College Road. 4p.

For more FREE Events in Wilmington NC bookmark this page and check back frequently.  If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Wilmington NC, give me a call.  I’m passionate about my community and helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals! Tish Lloyd Broker/REALTOR® BlueCoast Realty 910.547.1446.

Looking kind of quiet on Sunday, but Saturday sure has plenty to offer!

Friday April 18

Easter Egg Hunt

Hosted by Winter Park Baptist Church, enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt at Hugh MacRae Park beginning at 10a.  This is event is for children 5^th grade and younger.

Saturday April 19

Record Store Day 

Record Store Day at Gravity Records in Wilmington NC, features special releases, door prizes, and live music with Mike Blair and The Stonewalls, Astro Cowboy, A Bottle Volcanic, and more. 8a ~ 6p.  612 Castle Street

Paddle to the Masonboro Island Reserve

The 3.2 mile Paddle to the Masonboro Island Reserve begins and ends at Trails End in Wilmington NC, and will explore the Big Bay area of the Reserve with Southern Sites Manager and Stewardship Coordinator, Hope Sutton; and ACA Coastal Kayaking Open Water Instructor from Watersmith Kayaks, Robert Smith.  PRE-REGISTRATION is required by phone or email.  Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  Contact Marie Davis to register.  910.962.2324. 10a @ 613 Trails End Road.

Rock-n-Roll Easter Event

Hosted by Silver Lake Baptist Church this event will feature games, crafts, karaoke, egg hunt and create a basket. 1p – 4p at 4715 Carolina Beach Road.

Rims on the River Concert

Free concert in downtown Wilmington NC featuring headliners Southern Culture on the Skids, The Woggles, The Straight 8's, The Meteor IV, plus Hellza Poppin Circus Show, and the Globe of Death Motorcycle Stunt Riders performing at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm. Concert runs 3p-10p. Princess & N. Water Street.

For more FREE Events in Wilmington NC bookmark this page and check back frequently.  If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Wilmington NC, give me a call.  I’m passionate about my community and helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals! Tish Lloyd Broker/REALTOR® BlueCoast Realty 910.547.1446.

Spring is in the air, no really, it is!, and if you're thinking of selling your home, NOW is the time to spruce up your yard and outdoor living spaces.

Buyers’ are certainly most concerned with the condition of the home.  But a well-kept yard is also very important, especially in an area like Wilmington NC.  Here, we are Blessed with good weather for most of the year and we love our outdoor spaces!  

Just a few tips to make your home more appealing to Buyers --

1.  Trim all trees and shrubs.  Make them look as neat as you've made the inside of your home.

2.  Mulch around all plantings.  This will make your yard POP!

3.  Clean your decks and patios.  I mean scrub them!  Get the dirt off and make it shine!  If you have a wood deck you probably need to stain it. 

4.  Make sure all outdoor furniture is clean and well placed.  They may not be buying your furniture, but if Buyers see your outdoor spaces as welcoming it makes them more likely to consider your home.

5.  If you don't have any blooms in your yard, plant a few!  Buyer's like to see color in a yard.  You don't need much, it just takes a few flowers to make your yard brighter. And don’t underestimate the power of some pretty pots on the porch – fill a couple up with bright, happy pansies, they just make a home look more inviting.

If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Wilmington NC, give me a call.  I’m passionate about my community and helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals! Tish Lloyd Broker/REALTOR® BlueCoast Realty 910.547.1446.

It’s Azalea Festival weekend and there are plenty of FREE Events to enjoy! 

Saturday April 11

Observing Africa: The Life and Career of Stuart Marks

View letters, photographs, newspaper articles, journals, maps, publications, and artifacts spanning Wilmington native, Stuart Marks', life -- from 1950s through the 2000s. UNCW Randall Library 601 S. College Road. Show runs through May 15, 2014.

Azalea Festival Street Fair

The fun begins at 5p.  Enjoy live music at 4 music stages, children’s area, vendors and lots of dining choices.  

Saturday April 12

Azalea Festival Parade

Who doesn’t love a parade?  Beginning at 3rd Street in downtown Wilmington, and featuring floats, marching bands, clowns and horses!  You don’t want to miss the visiting celebrities, the Azalea Queen and her court, and the Azalea Princess’. HOURS: 9am to Noon.

Boxing Tournament

Cheer on the pugilists at Williston Middle School. Bouts begin at 2p and feature boxers from all over, in six divisions from 55 pounds to 201+ pounds, and in ages 8-16 and 17-34, plus a Master Boxer class (35 and older).  401 S. 10^th Street.

Azalea Festival Fireworks

Join the fun downtown and enjoy fireworks at 9p!  

Big Daddy Love at Ziggy’s By The Sea

Ziggy's presents Big Daddy Love and a Widespread Panic afterparty. Doors open at 9pm.

Sunday April 13

Street Fair runs from 10a ~ 6p today. Enjoy the children’s area and plenty of live music!

Sunday Night Jazz Jam

Hosted by Benny Hill at the Rusty Nail 1310 S. 5^th Street.

For more FREE Events in Wilmington NC bookmark this page and check back frequently.  If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Wilmington NC, give me a call.  I’m passionate about my community and helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals! Tish Lloyd Broker/REALTOR® BlueCoast Realty 910.547.1446.

Which do like better - Older houses or New construction?  If you are like me, you like what the inside of newer houses look like with all the open floor plans, large baths, new kitchen cabinets, stone counter tops, wood floors and so on... but you may not like what the outside of the house looks like and/or the small yards of most new construction.  Anyone with me?

Let me tell you a little story about my situation.  My wife and I began looking to upgrade where we lived once our daughter Ellie came into the world.  We had a small house downtown with no yard.  When we started looking in our price range it was either new construction with a small yard or older house (dated kitchens and baths) with a larger yard.  We chose the older house with a larger yard.

We love our neighborhood...we love our yard but we HATED the kitchen.  Take a look at the before and after pictures of our kitchen.  We purchased a foreclosure so it was an as is sale - we could not pass up the good deal we negotiated.

When remodeling a kitchen, a lot of times you replace the cabinets for a fresh look.  Well take a close look at a more affordable alternative.  Many times when when you remove old kitchen cabinet boxes you will keep the same cabinet layout due to plumbing and stove vents.  All we did was replace the cabinet doors (and hinges), counter tops and appliances for a fresh new look at a fraction on the cost.  Everyone compliments our "new" kitchen.  When we tell them how little we spent - they are blown away!

Written By: BlueCoast agent Kirby Keene 336.399-2065

Buying a home is usually a very fun and exciting time in people's lives. However, one of the least favorite parts of buying a home is going through the mortgage loan process. If you are prepared and have the needed information for your lender, the process can be a piece of cake.  Before a buyer begins to even start looking at homes, he/she should get prequalified. It's generally a very simple process in which a lender would ask a few questions(take a loan application) in order to determine how much money a home buyer qualifies for.  This can be done in person, over the phone or by filling out a loan application which takes about 15 minutes. It's always best to do this first so that you won't waste your time looking at properties that are out of your price range.  Once the home buyer has found the home they want to purchase, the lender will write a prequalification letter showing that he/she is qualified. A seller usually wants this information before negotiations take place.

Once the property is under contract the lender will process your loan application in order to get you approved as quickly as possible. Basically the lender verifies all the information the buyer has previously provided during the loan application process to be sure that it was accurate. The information required by your lender usually consists of your most recent 30 days paystubs, your most recent 2 years tax returns, 1099’s and W-2 forms, and your most recent 2 months asset statements that you have received from your financial institutions. Asset statements include checking, savings, retirement and investment accounts. Also, an important note regarding deposits that may show up in your asset accounts that are not payroll related, lenders are typically required to source or document any deposits that collectively total over 25% of your gross monthly income.  This can often be a little frustrating so if you are prepared, you can eliminate some of this potential frustration.

The appraisal is next. The lender has an appraiser inspect the property and the surrounding comps to make sure that the property is worth what the buyers have agreed to purchase the property for. You will be provided with a copy of the appraisal report and this is generally a good time to start shopping for your insurance as well.  Once the appraisal is received and your complete file has been reviewed by an underwriter, they will issue their final decision. If the final decision results in full loan approval, your file will then go to closing where docs will be sent to your closing agent so that they can prepare a final settlement statement, also called a HUD1 statement. The HUD1 statement will have all of your final loan figures including funds needed for closing, interest rate and total monthly payment.  When looking for a lender it's highly recommended that you use a local lender. If you are looking to purchase property in Wilmington NC and surrounding area I always recommend Troy Williamson with TowneBank Mortgage. He makes the loan process as easy as possible. I have had heard nothing but good things about his strong work ethic and getting things done on time.
Troy Williamson: Cell: 910-262-2613 Office: 910-679-8222
Email: Troy.Williamson@townebankmortgage.com
Website: http://www.troyismylender.com/

Written by:  BlueCoast agent Jeff Humphrey   910.443.7558

Pender County is a very desirable and sought after county in Southeastern NC for several reasons. Some of the reasons people are drawn to the area include the highly rated Topsail School District, close proximity to the pristine beaches of Topsail Island and the intracoastal waterway living/access the area affords. The county is also much larger than New Hanover County and more spread out allowing for more of a country feel while still being relatively close to downtown Wilmington, shopping , and restaurants. This is evident in the nearby town of Hampstead. Burgaw and Rocky Point as well both have convenient access to Interstate 40 leading east to Wilmington and west towards Raleigh. Property tax rates in Pender County are also consistent with New Hanover County for both city and county and only a bit higher than the developing Brunswick County. Pender County is experiencing steady growth and there are many exciting projects planned for the future including the building of the North Campus of the Cape Fear Community College and a new bridge in Surf City/ Topsail scheduled to be completed in 2017. If you’re considering a move to Southeastern NC I would strongly recommend considering Pender County.

Written By:  BlueCoast agent Chris Lang , 910-409-5345