KURE BEACH TOWN NEWS – April 12, 2012

KURE BEACH TOWN NEWS – April 12, 2012

 

· Go to the Town’s website www.townofkurebeach.org for meetings, info & news

· Also, don’t forget to join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kurebeachnc

· Visit our Business Corner at the bottom of this email for great deals from KB businesses

· For more events: Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/calendar.asp

 

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS APRIL 17 Notice is hereby given that the Kure Beach Town Council will hold two Public Hearings on the following issues. All interested persons are encouraged to attend.   1) For the purpose of receiving public comments on the concept of paid parking in Kure Beach. DATE: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 TIME: 5:30 pm or soon thereafter PLACE: Kure Beach Town Hall Council Room   2) For the purpose of receiving public comments on a proposed ordinance amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 19 (Zoning), regarding the use of Alternative Energy in Kure Beach. The proposed ordinance provides standards to facilitate use of solar energy equipment in a manner that minimizes visual impact and the potential for nuisance, includes provisions for setback and height requirements compliance, supplies definitions for roof mounted and ground mounted systems, provides permitting, replacement and repair guidelines and prohibits the use of solar wind systems. A copy of the proposed ordinance is on file in the office of the Town Clerk for viewing. DATE: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 TIME: 6:30 pm or soon thereafter PLACE: Kure Beach Town Hall Council Room Note – the public hearing is the first item of business on the Council’s regular meeting agenda   NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE GREENWAY PUBLIC WORKSHOP APRIL 18 At Carolina Beach Town Hall on Wednesday, April 18 from 4-7 pm, the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold a Public Workshop to discuss the Greenway Project. Also, there is a survey that the WMPO would like citizens to complete to help them with their planning. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/wilmingtongreenway to complete the survey, if you’d like to help.   KB COMMUNITY CENTER GARDEN LECTURE APRIL 21 On Saturday, April 21 from 9:30-10:30 am, the KB Community Center Committee will host the second in an ongoing series of educational lectures by the NC Cooperative Extension. Speakers from the extension’s Master Gardener’s program will address a variety of plant-related topics to help average homeowners manage their landscapes. The upcoming presentation is titled “Krazy Containers.” There will be information on how to successfully garden in containers of any size and sort, container requirements and watering and fertilization strategies. This lecture will be especially valuable to those of you who have a small yard or no yard, but have patios and decks on which containers can be used successfully to grow both flowers and vegetables.   BUDGET WORKSHOP APRIL 26 – TIME CHANGE Notice is hereby given that Kure Beach Town Council will hold a Budget Workshop at Town Hall on Thursday, April 12, 2012. The original start time of the meeting has been revised to 7:00 am or soon thereafter (originally 10:00 am). Council will review the draft budget for Fiscal Year 12-13. This meeting is open to the public and all interested persons are encouraged to attend.   BEACH PROTECTION COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PLANT SEA OATS – MAY 5TH The Beach Protection Committee is looking for extra volunteers to help the committee plant Sea Oats on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 1:00pm. Everyone will meet at 1800 Sand Dollar Court (across the street from the Ocean Dunes Recreation Center), and then we’ll begin planting the oats on the new dunes located at the south end of Kure Beach near Ocean Dunes. There are 5,000 sea oats that need to be planted and fertilized, so the more volunteers we can get the faster it will go. Please bring a shovel or small scoop and dress appropriately for work and comfort. Thank you for helping us to protect our beach.   PRESS RELEASE REGARDING KB OCEAN FRONT PARK The Kure Beach Town Council voted in a special meeting on Thursday, March 29, 2012 to accept a takeover agreement with The Gray Casualty and Surety Company of Metairie, LA (bonding company) to complete construction of the Ocean Front Park project and is waiting final signature from the bonding company. READ MORE   LOOKING FOR TOWN REPRESENTATIVES FOR WMPO COMMITTEES The Town of Kure Beach is seeking volunteers to represent the Town on the following Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) Committees: WMPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee – 1 vacancy This committee was created to advise the Transportation Advisory Committee on issues regarding bicycle and pedestrian programs, projects, policies and safety. Must be a Kure Beach resident and be able to attend meetings at Wilmington City Hall on the fourth Thursday of each month at 4:15 pm. WMPO Citizens Advisory Committee – 1 vacancy This committee was re-appointed to help the Technical Coordinating and Transportation Advisory Committees ensure the implementation of the Cape Fear Commutes 2035 plan and WMPO Strategic Business Plan. Must be a Kure Beach resident and be able to attend meetings at Wilmington City Hall on a quarterly basis at 4:00 pm, as announced on the WMPO website. Applications are available at Town Hall, Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm. Additional information on the WMPO can be found at http://www.wmpo.org/index.html. Questions may be directed to the Town Clerk at 458-8216.   INTERESTING RECYCLING FACTS ABOUT WATER FROM THE KB STORMWATER & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE A running faucet wastes 2.5 gallons of water each minute. Running your faucet for 5 minutes uses up enough energy to run a 60-watt light bulb for 14 hours.   KURE BEACH COMMITTEE VACANCIES The Town of Kure Beach is always looking for residents who would like to serve on Town committees. For a list of committees and member vacancies, access the Town’s website and view the list at the bottom of the calendar list on the homepage.   COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR Mayor Dean Lambeth wants to hear your thoughts and concerns regarding the Kure Beach community. Come and meet with him on Saturday mornings at Town Hall from 9:00 -11:00 am.

Vacation Home Market Heating Up

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR)  recently released a report on investment and vacation homes, with the headline “Investment and Vacation Home Sales Surge in 2011”

This week I wanted to share with you some highlights of these findings:

NAR’s 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2011, shows investment-home sales surged an extraordinary 64.5 percent to 1.23 million last year from 749,000 in 2010. Vacation-home sales rose 7.0 percent to 502,000 in 2011 from 469,000 in 2010.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said investors with cash took advantage of market conditions in 2011. “During the past year investors have been swooping into the market to take advantage of bargain home prices,” he said. “Rising rental income easily beat cash sitting in banks as an added inducement. In addition, 41 percent of investment buyers purchased more than one property.”

-          All-cash purchases have become fairly common in the investment- and vacation-home market during recent years: 49 percent of investment buyers paid cash in 2011, as did 42 percent of vacation-home buyers. Half of all investment home purchases in 2011 were distressed homes, as were 39 percent of vacation homes.

-          “Clearly we’re looking at investors with financial resources who see real estate as a good investment and who aren’t hesitant to use cash,” Yun said.

 

-          Investment-home buyers in 2011 had a median age of 50, earned $86,100 and bought a home that was relatively close to their primary residence – a median distance of 25 miles, although 30 percent were more than 100 miles away.

 

-          The typical vacation-home buyer was 50 years old, had a median household income of $88,600 and purchased a property that was a median distance of 305 miles from the primary residence; 35 percent of vacation homes were within 100 miles and 37 percent were more than 500 miles. Buyers plan to own their recreational property for a median of 10 years.

 

-          Lifestyle factors have consistently been the primary motivation for vacation-home buyers, while the desire for rental income drives investment purchases. Vacation homes purchased last year were more likely to be in suburban or rural areas; investment homes were concentrated in suburban locations.

 

-          Eighty-two percent of vacation-home buyers said the primary reason for buying was to use the property themselves for vacations, or as a family retreat. Thirty percent plan to use the property as a primary residence in the future, and only 22 percent plan to rent to others.

 

-          Sixteen percent of vacation buyers and 14 percent of investment buyers purchased the property for a family member, friend or relative to use. In many cases the home is intended for a son or daughter to use while attending school.

 

-          Forty-two percent of vacation homes purchased last year were in the South, 30 percent in the West, 15 percent in the Northeast and 12 percent in the Midwest; 1 percent were located outside of the U.S.

 

-          Forty-four percent of investment properties were in the South, 23 percent in the West, 17 percent in the Midwest and 15 percent in the Northeast.

 

-          Eight out of 10 second-home buyers said it was a good time to buy. Nearly half of investment buyers said they were likely to purchase another property within two years, as did one-third of vacation-home buyers.

 “Given that the number of people who are in their 40s is somewhat larger than the 50-somethings, the long-term demographic demand for purchasing vacation homes is favorable because these younger households are likely to enter the market as their desire for these kinds of properties grows, and individual circumstances allow,” Yun said.

NAR’s analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows there are 8.0 million vacation homes and 42.8 million investment units in the U.S., compared with 75.3 million owner-occupied homes.

NAR’s 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, conducted in March 2012, includes answers from 2,241 usable responses about home purchases during 2011. The survey controlled for age and income, based on information from the larger 2011 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, to limit any biases in the characteristics of respondents.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Kure Beach Home for Sale - $289,900

Beach Home in Carolina Beach, NC

Super beach home in Carolina Beach - MInutes from Wrightsville Beach real estate and Wilmington homes for sale. Check out this beach home offered by Coastwalk Real Esate serving Pleasure Island!

CONTACT COASTWALK REAL ESTATE FOR A SHOWING -- RIGHT NOW!!! Enjoy coastal living at its finest from this beautiful townhome built by premier builder, Greg Stier. Unit offers beautiful ocean views, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and an elevator. Prime location with beach access just down the street. 1st level has garage, large playroom which could be 4th BR, full bath & laundry area. Main level has spacious great room with gas log fireplace, kitchen with barstool counter, large dining area, powder room & access to front & back decks. Solid wood doors, beadboard, crown molding, recessed lighting, granite counters. Top level features master suite & bath, 2 more bedrooms with Jack & Jill bath, plus access to front deck with ocean views. A unique feature of this beautiful townhome is the exterior spiral staircase leading to the main level deck. This home would make an awesome permanent residence, weekend getaway or income producing property!

To view the property photos - visit http://www.listingsmagic.com/43588

Listing provided by: Justin Donaton

Coastwalk Real Estate
Phone: 910-458-9119
Cell: 910-352-0998
Equal Housing Opportunity Information Deemed Accurate but not Guaranteed.

Homes in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Just in time for summer, here are great homes for sale in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Click here to see homes for sale in Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a beautoful island located minutes from Wilmington NC. It has beautiful beaches, great dining and lots of homes to buy or rent.

Home prices in Wrightsville Beach range from about $300,000 to several million dollars.

There are inland homes, homes on the waterway, sound and of course...ocean front homes in Wrightsville Beach.

Wrightsville Beach is located about 15 minutes from UNCW, 15 minutes from the airport, and 25 minutes from downtown Wilmington.

Other popular Wilmington beaches include Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

If you would like more info on Wrightsville Beach real estate, homes for sale in Wilmington or anything else, please let us know. We'll tell you the good shopping spots, restaurants and everything else.

Call 910-458-9119

Coastwalk Real Estate

Moving Fido: 5 Useful Tips to Remember

Moving Fido: 5 Useful Tips to Remember At the Move Advocate we think of our pets as an extension of our family. Chances are many of your clients think the same way. So when they are preparing to move cross country it is only natural that Fefe or Fido would be joining them. We need to remember that moving isn’t just stressful for us; it is stressful for our pets too. So where do our furry friends fit in the mix of all the mayhem of moving? When it comes to moving pets, pre-planning is very important as animals can be very sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Here are five top things to keep in mind as a pet owner moving with pets. 1. Make Friends with the Travel Crate Whether you travel by car or by air, the crate your pet travels in will be his “home” during the trip and it’s crucial that your pet feels comfortable in it ahead of time. This is the most important step and as soon as you know you’re moving, it’s a good idea to get a crate if you don’t already have one. This way, you can start getting your pet used to their new home well in advance. This will help your pet’s stress levels on your move date. If you are unsure how to crate train many pet stores offer training classes. Additionally you can try feeding your pet in the crate on a daily basis to help ease the transition. 2. Pick a Frequent Fido Flier Why should you get extra leg room for yourself but not for your pet? Select an airline that offers first-class accommodations for pets traveling in the cabin or under the plane. There are many pet-friendly airlines that keep pets in climate controlled conditions throughout the flight which ensures that every pet will arrive safely at its destination. In fact there is even a pet only airline called PetAirways. 3. Arrange a Jet-Setter Check Up With Your Vet If you’re making a trip across state lines or international borders, you’ll need a health certificate issued the week before the flight. Most states require pets to be current on their rabies shots. For international trips, the documentation for importing or exporting pets can be even more complex. Planning ahead and consulting a professional pet relocation company can ensure that your trip goes smoothly. 4. Say No to Sedatives Because we love them so much we want our animals to feel comfortable, but giving them a sedative is more for our peace of mind, not theirs. Your pet is much more likely to deal better with their anxiety without medication. The truth is giving your animal a sedative prior to travel can be very dangerous. The most common tranquilizer, H-acepromazine has very serious consequences for traveling pets: it relaxes the respiratory muscles which makes breathing more difficult, it could lead to over-exertion just for breathing, which will lower blood sugar, and it alters the body's temperature control mechanism. 5. Packing for Your Pet Packing for a pet is not unlike packing for a child you do not want to over prepare. Just the essentials. Make sure your dog has tags that list your mobile number, or better yet get them microchipped. If your pet is traveling in the car with you measure out their everyday kibble in serving-sized bags and bring two portable bowls and plenty of water for the road. Other must haves include an extra leash, an ample supply of your pet’s regular medications and supplements and plenty of biodegradable bags to pick up after your pooch during rest stops and walks. No matter if your move is big or small it is important to do your research and make plans accordingly when moving pets. This can make all the difference, resulting in a well transitioned pet and a less stressed pet owner. Contact Move Advocate today for more information and for help in moving your clients and their pets safely.

If you have clients that are moving out of state don't forget to have them call the Move Advocate for their household goods move needs. The Move Advocate works with the nation’s most reputable movers and can arrange for multiple binding quotes, priority scheduling, and automatic VIP status. A dedicated coach will answer questions and be an advocate throughout the move process ensuring your client’s move is the best they’ll ever make. Call us today at 800.617.1918.

4-2-12 Market Update Wilmington NC

I hope you are having a great week. We’re just about in April, and if you are thinking of selling your home this year, now is the time to get started!  Please call my cell at 910-352-0998. My clients homes are selling, and for good prices!

The first three months of 2012 have been great for the real estate market. Buyers have flocked to the beach (and Wilmington), and the activity is very strong right now.

Here is a summary of sales activity year-to-date.

In Carolina Beach there have been 58 total sales as of 3/24/2012. Of these 20 are condos, 25 are homes, and 13 are home sites. This compares to 63 total sales for the same period in 2011; 26 condos, 21homes, and 16 home sites.

The average sales price for single family homes in 2012 is $353,960.00, compared to $283,620.00 for 2011.

Currently there are 373 properties for sale in Carolina Beach, 261 homes and condos, and 112 home sites. Inventory is lower than it was in 2011.

In Kure Beach there have been 14 total sales year-to-date. Of these 11 are homes or condos, and 3 are home sites. This compares to 16 in 2011, 13 homes or condos, and 3 home sites for the same period in 2011.

I am happy to report that Coastwalk Real Estate was the listing firm on 7 of the 14 sales in Kure Beach.

Currently there are 145 properties for sale in Kure Beach, 101 of these are homes or condos, and 44 are home sites.  Inventory in Kure Beach is also lower than it has been in the past.

In Wilmington there has been 463 total sales year-to-date. Of these 428 are homes or condos, and 35 are home sites. This compares to 379 homes and condos, and 29 home sites for the same period on 2011.

Here is a chart of January to February 2012 sales, along with February 2011 vs 2012 sales. This chart is courtesy of The Wilmington Association of REALTORS:

 Coastwalk Real Estate’s main office (103 S Lake Park Blvd) was the leading seller of beach property (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach & Wrightsville) for 2011.  Our local (beach) market expertise shines.

If you are looking to buy or sell, your timing could not be better. Please call me today at 910-352-0998 to discuss your real estate objectives in more detail.

 

Expect Results:

Your Real Estate Market Report is provided by Justin Donaton of Coastwalk Real Estate. Local data provided is courtesy of the Wilmington Association of REALTORS MLS. Justin does not just "list" properties, he sells them! To get your home SOLD for the highest possible price, call Justin at 910-352-0998. Justin has been the #1 Agent on Pleasure Island since 2006. He has the highest dollar volume of sales, and has had the most number of closings. His business is built on hard work and high-impact marketing. Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.

Brain Teaser Answer - April 2012

Wilmington real estate sales 2012

The first three months of 2012 have been great for the real estate market. Buyers have flocked to the beach (and Wilmington), and the activity is very strong right now.

 

Here is a summary of sales activity year-to-date.

 

In Carolina Beach there have been 58 total sales as of 3/24/2012. Of these 20 are condos, 25 are homes, and 13 are home sites. This compares to 63 total sales for the same period in 2011; 26 condos, 21homes, and 16 home sites.

 

The average sales price for single family homes in 2012 is $353,960.00, compared to $283,620.00 for 2011.

 

Currently there are 373 properties for sale in Carolina Beach, 261 homes and condos, and 112 home sites. Inventory is lower than it was in 2011.

 

In Kure Beach there have been 14 total sales year-to-date. Of these 11 are homes or condos, and 3 are home sites. This compares to 16 in 2011, 13 homes or condos, and 3 home sites for the same period in 2011.

 

I am happy to report that Coastwalk Real Estate was the listing firm on 7 of the 14 sales in Kure Beach.

 

Currently there are 145 properties for sale in Kure Beach, 101 of these are homes or condos, and 44 are home sites.  Inventory in Kure Beach is also lower than it has been in the past.

 

In Wilmington there has been 463 total sales year-to-date. Of these 428 are homes or condos, and 35 are home sites. This compares to 379 homes and condos, and 29 home sites for the same period on 2011.

 

Coastwalk Real Estate’s main office (103 S Lake Park Blvd) was the leading seller of beach property (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach & Wrightsville) for 2011.  We also sell a ton of homes in Wilmington, Leland, Ogden and Topsail

 

If you are looking to buy or sell, your timing could not be better. Please call me today at 910-352-0998 to discuss your real estate objectives in more detail.

I am thinking of selling my home later this year. What can I do to fix it up and net more from the sale?

Q.  I am thinking of selling my home later this year. 
      What can I do to fix it up and net more from the sale?

 

A.   Remember when you put your home up for sale it becomes a product on display.  Getting rid of clutter makes it easier for potential buyers to walk through the property and see themselves living there.  You may also need to tackle a few home improvement projects to get a good price for your property. 

 

Start with the walls.  Freshly painted walls in a neutral color invite a potential buyer to imagine the home with their things in it.  You want enough wall decoration to make your home attractive, but it is easy to overdo it.  When removing wall décor to paint, leave most of it packed away.

 

Freshen up the kitchen.  Kitchens often sell a home.  You will want to make sure it is bright, clean and reasonably updated.  Consider replacing the hardware or adding a new backsplash between the countertops and hanging cabinets.  If you have to replace appliances, stainless steel is an option that offers clean lines and is easy to keep clean.

 

Enhance the curb appeal with neat, trim landscaping.  Your home will likely be viewed on the internet before a buyer visits the property.  A clean exterior makes better looking photos and helps your home look more valuable.

 

To get more information about how to prepare your home for the market, ask about my Free Consumer Report “Home Seller’s Guide To Moneymaking Fix-Ups,” a guide to help you realize the most profit from your home.