Wilmington NC Schools

Even if you don’t have kids, the quality of a school district can have a direct impact on the value of your home. If you’re buying and you want to make sure your home is in a good district, use these criteria to see if your the local district makes the grade.

Given the way most communities work, the location of a home dictates the local school district. The quality of the school district can have a direct impact on the value of your home. Even if you don’t have kids or don’t have to plan kids, the quality of the local schools can positively or negatively effect your home’s value. Buyers tend to prefer homes in good school districts, either because they have school-aged children, or they are thinking of resale value down the line.

So how do you know if your local schools make the grade? What signs point towards an improving or declining school district? Here are a five things you’ll want to consider:

1. Test scores. It’s a basic measurement of student performance and educator effectiveness. Look at the performance historically for an idea of which direction things have been heading.

2. Graduation rates. High graduation rates mean a large percentage of students complete a particular school’s program, and generally reflects well on the district.

3. Student-to-teacher ratios. A low student-to-teacher ratio is generally positive, as it indicates a higher percentage chance of students receiving individualized attention. It also suggests that teachers at the school will be more attentive to the quality of the education as they are not overwhelmed by their student load. (If you already have a relatively high student-to-teacher ratio in a community that’s growing fast, beware.)

4. School amenities. No, we’re not talking about hot tubs! But we are talking about athletic programs, music programs, and special education programs. If a district is impoverished and has cut all but the essentials from a public education, you may want to hold off.

5. Local parental opinion. Ask parents what they think of the schools. How well does the staff communicate? Do the teachers seem engaged? How are the libraries? Are parents engaged, or is there little sense of community?

Though school districts are but one factor in the myriad of environmental and neighborhood conditions influencing home value, they remain an important one. Do your homework!

Curious about the local schools? I am happy to help you understand the local school district and homes near great schools. Get in touch with me here:  Justin Donaton, Coastwalk Real Estate

Things to do in Carolina Beach

This week I wanted to share my favorite places to go, and things to do, in Carolina Beach!!

The weather is perfect, the water is still warm, there are some good waves, and there are lots of activities happening around the island!

On my way to work most mornings, I stop at the Ocean Blvd beach access to check out the waves. It’s a great spot as you can pull your car right up to the beach and take a look at what’s going on. The “Pipe” is to the south, and the Tiki Bar to the north. It’s not uncommon to see porpoises playing in the waves, fish jumping, and an occasional stingray splashing.

Heading north, a stop at the Veggie Wagon is a must. They offer fresh produce, yummy food, organic treats and a great wine selection.

Pack a bag and head to the Carolina Beach Lake. You can jog around the lake, bring the kids to a playground, visit Duke and his paddle boats, or just relax with the ducks at your side.

For those looking for some adventure, you can visit the Tony Silvangi Surf School…located at the Hang Ten Grill, or the Hamlet Street beach access. The smile on faces after meeting Tony is priceless…rent a paddleboard or get a surf lesson from a world champion (and local) professional surfer!

Stop in for a cup of coffee at Majic Beans – something special is in their brew!

The business district in Carolina Beach is one of the best places to walk around…there are some delicious restaurants. Nikki’s, The Deck House, and Havana’s are three of my favorites.

And don’t forget about our friends and the local businesses on the boardwalk. The rides are gone, but there are lots of treats for locals to enjoy – be sure to support our local businesses in the off season too.

What is your favorite restaurant?

On the North End, you have to visit the pier…this offers one of my favorite views on the beach. Be sure to say “hi” to Freddy and his family while you’re up there. Check out the surfers at Sunskipper, and if you can get up early, be sure to bring a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise!

If you have a 4x4, Freeman Park is a truly special place to visit…lots of great spots to relax, tidal pools to play in, and bonfires to enjoy. If you’re into camping or a day on the beach, you can’t beat Freeman Park!

For the boaters on the island, there are some great marinas including Joyner’s Marina (Oceana), Mona Black’s and Waterfronte. There is also the town boat ramp off Spencer Farlow Drive which was recently renovated…it’s beautiful and is a great spot to fish too.

For nature lovers…an afternoon at Carolina Beach State Park is well worth the visit. I love walking and running the trails at the park. There’s a ton of nature to enjoy…see if you can find a Venus Flytrap, and try to find Sugarloaf Mountain!

Finally, I wanted to thank the Town of Carolina Beach for their commitment to Mike Chapel Park. There are great ball fields, a playground, basketball, tennis, the skate park, a dog park and more. This is a part of town I know a lot of locals really like!

There are a lot of other hidden treasures in Carolina Beach including great beach spots, tasty restaurants, and places to play…so get on out there and discover them this Fall!

Provided by Justin Donaton

Wilmington North Carolina Real Estate

The median sales price for homes in Wilmington NC for Jul 15 to Oct 15 was $213,000. This represents an increase of 12.1%, or $23,000, compared to the prior quarter and an increase of 7.7% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have appreciated 9.4% over the last 5 years in Wilmington. The average listing price for Wilmington homes for sale on Trulia was $271,681 for the week ending Oct 28, which represents a decline of 2.3%, or $6,526, compared to the prior week and a decline of 1.9%, or $5,363, compared to the week ending Oct 07. Average price per square foot for Wilmington NC was $114, a decrease of 4.2% compared to the same period last year. Popular neighborhoods in Wilmington include Landfall, Jumpin Run, Pine Valley Estates, Echo Farms, Merestone, and Country Club Pines.

Provided by Justin Donaton

Carolina Beach Real Estate

When inventory is tight and a market heats up, sellers often dream of finding themselves in a multiple offer situation. In a multiple offer situation, more than one potential buyer submits a written offer on the home. With multiple offers on a property, the listing agent can then try and “shop the top offer” in order to try and get the best deal possible for their client.

If you live in a hot market (or a hot neighborhood or area), how do you structure your listing in such a way that you get the best possible offers in a multiple offer situation?

One strategy for cultivating multiple offers is letting buyers know that the seller will only entertain offers on a certain date. Rather than deal with offers dribbling in one at a time, there’s a deadline for offers. When this happens, buyers know they have to have a truly exceptional offer on the table if they hope to be in the running for the property.

With a deadline on offers, buyers will look at ways to gain an advantage over other offers. This often extends beyond pricing, though pricing is a part of the picture. “Escalation clauses” are frequently built in should a buyer’s offer find stiff competition from another buyer. The clause ups the amount the buyer is willing to pay in the face of a legitimate competing offer.

In addition to escalation clauses, buyers may also waive other terms and contingencies relating to inspections, title, or financing. In some multiple offer situations, an all-cash buyer will have a considerable advantage over those who must still navigate the additional complications of their financing.

Be aware that in a multiple offer situation your agent may not be eager to try and instigate the next level: An all out bidding war. While the agent has an obligation to secure the best possible offer for your listing, bidding wars can generate a lot of bad blood between agents who have worked together the past (and hope to work together in the future). Some sellers will push an agent the direction of a bidding war, but those who do must realize there’s an inherent risk in making an enemy out of buyers and buyers’ agents. (Everyone has their limits!)

Do you live in a market that’s hot? How in demand would your home be if it happened to be on the market right now? Have you talked to an agent about the prospect of generating multiple offers on your property?

Contact me and I can help answer all of these questions and more: My cell is 910-352-0998, or shoot me an email justin@coastwalkrealestate.com.

Expect Results:

Your Real Estate Market Report is provided by Justin Donaton of Coastwalk Real Estate. Any data provided, unless otherwise noted, is courtesy of the Wilmington Association of REALTORS MLS and/or the National Association of REALTORS.

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 SOLD the most real estate on Pleasure Island every year since 2007. 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. Coastwalk Real Estate is the #1 Sales office on Pleasure Island, and has the highest average sales-to-agent ratio in Carolina & Kure Beach, and the 2^nd  highest sales-to-agent ratio for all of New Hanover County (source WRAR MLS 10-9-2014 thru 10-8-2015) . Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.

Carolina Beach Real Estate House Information

Average price per square foot for Carolina Beach NC was $181, an increase of 2.8% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Carolina Beach NC for Jul 15 to Oct 15 was $347,500 based on 2 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 63.9%, or $135,500, and the number of home sales decreased 97.6%. There are currently 189 resale and new homes in Carolina Beach on Trulia, including 12 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Carolina Beach NC was $307,224 for the week ending Oct 07, which represents an increase of 2%, or $5,921, compared to the prior week.

For more information contact Coastwalk Real Estate

910-458-9119

Wilmington Home Renovations

Tips for making renovation to your Wilmington North Carolina house.

If you treat your home like an investment, you’ll want to make improvements which will pay off when the time comes to list and sell your home. Not every renovation project has to be a major undertaking. In fact, these smaller projects are some of the best you can choose.

Not all renovations are created equal. If you’re adding a luxurious new bathroom or a “man cave” for your own purposes, you’re probably not too concerned about your return when the house goes on the market. You’re spending the money for your pleasure and quality of life, not the return.

But many homeowners see their home as a financial investment vehicle and understand that it’s quite likely the day will come in 5 to 7 years when they are ready to trade up or move to a new market. With this eye, every renovation is a calculated decision. In this situation, you want to select projects which are likely to provide a good return.

Any renovation which improves the value of your home in the eyes of buyers without breaking your renovation budget is an excellent choice. So how do you know which ones buyers want to see?

According to a National Association of Home Builder's 2013 report of 4,000 prospective buyers, the following seven features were on buyers' most wanted list:

1. Separate laundry room (93% preference)

2. Exterior lighting (90% preference)

3. Energy Star-qualified windows (89% preference)

4. Garage storage space (86% preference)

5. Eat-in kitchen (85% preference)

6. Walk-in kitchen pantry (85% preference)

7. Wireless home security system (50% preference)

You can read the estimated costs and reasoning behind these features in the original Kiplinger article here:

http://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/real-estate/T010-S001-7-features-home-buyers-want-most/index.html

(Keep in mind that the costs may have risen, as the original article ran in 2014.)

Are you planning to sell your home after a renovation? I’d be happy to help you. Let’s talk: Please call me at 910-352-0998.

Provided by Justin Donaton

Wilmington NC Don’t Fear a Hot Homebuyer’s Market

If you’ve found yourself paralyzed by this active market, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey of 3,500 buyers, a whopping 58% of potential homebuyers are sitting on the sidelines because they’re afraid the market is too hot. Here’s a breakdown of their top concerns:

1. Affordability: Prices are rising or too high (27%)

2. There's too much competition from other buyers (17%)

3. There aren't enough homes to choose from (14%)

While it’s true we’ve seen a dramatic increase in market activity over the past few years, it’s important to remember that what you want isn’t necessarily what everyone else wants. Where you want to live and the type of home you want to live in isn’t necessarily subject to the “macro trends” in any given market situation.

Your dream home is as unique as you are, and the only way to understand what’s out there is to take the time to share the details of what you’re looking for with a professional who is tuned into the market. What’s more, an agent can help debunk market myths and keep an eye out for properties which fit your specific criteria.

Now is a good time to make a list of criteria for your next home. Begin with your “must haves” and move on to your “nice to haves.” Consider square footage, neighborhood, amenities, and your budget as you put together this list. Reflecting on this information will help you have a productive discussion with a buyer’s agent and also contribute to your understanding of “what’s out there” in your immediate market.

Often our fears turn out to be unfounded. If you’ve been letting your perception of the market stymie you from pursuing your dream, now is a good time to start a discussion with someone who can help you see the whole picture.

Questions? I’m happy to help you answer them! Get in touch today if you are interested in Wilmington Real Estate, or homes in Carolina or Kure Beach: Justin Donaton 910-352-0998

Wilmington North Carolina Real Estate Summary

Average price per square foot for Wilmington NC was $134, an increase of 12.6% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Wilmington NC for Jul 15 to Sep 15 was $190,000 based on 29 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 4.5%, or $9,000, and the number of home sales decreased 96.5%. There are currently 1,437 resale and new homes in Wilmington on Trulia, including 40 open houses, as well as 291 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Wilmington NC was $283,068 for the week ending Sep 30, which represents an increase of 3.6%, or $9,850, compared to the prior week. Popular neighborhoods in Wilmington include Landfall and Pine Valley Estates, with average listing prices of $694,568 and $300,242.

This charming city, also known as the Port City, is located in the southeastern corner of North Carolina between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Although not just a tourist town, Wilmington, NC has many attractions such as the Battleship North Carolina, Airlie Gardens and Screen Gem Studios where TV shows such as Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill were filmed; along with many major movies. Here is a link to more Wilmington NC info.

It has become a popular destination because of its moderate, four-season climate, historic preservation district, annual events such as Wilmington Riverfest and the Azalea Festival and numerous championship golf courses. In addition, the nearby Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beaches are a mecca for boaters, surfers, sunbathers, beachcombers and seafood lovers and round out the wide variety of attractions in the Wilmington, NC area.

Leland North Carolina Real Estate Update

Average price per square foot for Leland NC was $111, an increase of 3.7% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Leland NC for Jul 15 to Sep 15 was $185,000 based on 54 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 1.1%, or $2,000, and the number of home sales decreased 65.4%. There are currently 798 resale and new homes in Leland on Trulia, including 16 open houses, as well as 50 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Leland NC was $244,437 for the week ending Sep 30, which represents a decrease of 0.1%, or $222, compared to the prior week.

The Town of Leland is located on the scenic Brunswick River, just five minutes west of the historic river city of Wilmington, North Carolina. Leland, which has emerged as one of the fastest growing municipalities in the Cape Fear region, is home to beautiful championship golf courses, over fifty places of worship, and a vibrant business community. As the Town of Leland grows, they are committed to maintaining our down-home, small-town atmosphere. Leland...Gateway to Brunswick County... a great place to put down roots. For more information on Leland, NC, please click here!

Popular communities in Leland include Magnolia Greens, Waterford and Brunswick Plantation. There are affordable homes in Leland, which makes it a popular spot for families, first time home buyers and those who will retire soon.

Contact Coastwalk Real Estate for more information on Leland homes for sale.

Kure Beach North Carolina Real Estate Summary

There are currently 51 resale and new homes in Kure Beach on Trulia, including 5 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Kure Beach NC was $400,763 for the week ending Sep 30, which represents a decrease of 0.5%, or $2,160, compared to the prior week.

Contact Coastwalk Real estate for more information on Kure Beach Homes for sale at 910-458-9119.