Wilmington NC Real Estate Info

Average price per square foot for Wilmington NC was $124, an increase of 4.2% compared to the same period last year.

The median sales price for homes in Wilmington NC for Jan 15 to Apr 15 was $175,500 based on 540 home sales.

Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 11.8%, or $23,500, and the number of home sales decreased 4.6%.

There are currently 1,174 resale and new homes in Wilmington on Trulia, including 6 open houses, as well as 261 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 $305,206 for the week ending Apr 15, which represents an increase of 1.1%, or $3,230, compared to the prior week.

Popular neighborhoods in Wilmington include Landfall and Echo Farms, with average listing prices of $725,915 and $211,053.

If you would like more info on Real Estate in Wilmington please contact Coastwalk Real Estate at 910-458-9119

Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Wilmington NC

A surprisingly small percent of real estate agents are responsible for the majority of business in any given market. How do you make sure you don’t choose one of the slackers? Here are some simple tips to help you make your choice.

As you probably know, having a real estate license doesn’t make someone a great agent. In fact, in any given market, a relatively small percentage of the total number of agents are responsible for a majority of the business. This means that when you’re evaluating agents, the odds of picking someone with relatively little experience or true skill can be disconcertingly high.

So how do you know you’re in danger of working with a rank amateur? Here are some common “sniff tests” to help you sort through the masses:

1. Is the agent’s top selling point the fact they offer a lower commission? If an agent is eager to buy your business by promising to work for less than the competition, be wary. Professionals are compensated for hard work, and a true pro won’t make commission cutting their go-to reason for representing you in the sale of your home.

2. Is the agent’s proposed listing price for your home way higher than everyone else? It can be sweet to hear, but sometimes sweet things are poisonous. In the business this is called “buying a listing” and it usually works this way: An agent says your home is worth more than it is in order to get you to sign with them. Then, as the home languishes on the market, the agent will begin discussing price reductions. Instead of a quick sale for a fair price, you endure the heartache and expense of a home which takes longer to sell.

3. How is the agent marketing their current listings? Ask to see some listings for homes their representing right now. Are the photos terrible? Does the advertising copy for the home sound generic and unhelpful? Have all the homes experienced price reductions? How do the homes compare to other listings online? Can you find the home online easily? The agent is suddenly going to be working harder on your listing. How they’re treating their current listings is how they’ll treat yours.

4. What comes up when you Google the agent’s name? If it’s a common name, you may need to add “realtor” or “real estate” to the name. What comes up? Do they have a website? If nothing shows up, that’s a bad sign. Are they in the business or not? Can you find them on social media like Facebook? Have they updated profiles on Zillow / Trulia? If they’re a ghost online, beware. After all, that’s where buyers are starting conversations about buying!

We promise you we pass all four of these with flying colors and we are eager to help you sell your home. Let’s talk soon: Coastwalk Real Estate 910-458-9119

Interested in Wilmington NC Homes, click here to see the latest listings!

Wilmington Oceanfront Homes for Sale affordable

If you are wanting a nice large ocean front home, then be sure to check out the Wilmington beach real estate for sale.

There are several island to choose from, including Pleasure Island which consists of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. You also may select Wrightsville Beach OR some like to peace and tranquility of Topsail Island

Whatever your choice, there are homes for sale in all price ranges.

Here is a summary of current oceanfront homes for sale in Wilmington.

Contact Coastwalk Real Estate for more information.

Wilmington NC Home Values - How to Boost Them

Want to boost your home’s value, but don’t have the budget for a big renovation? Good news: You don’t need a big budget to make material improvements.

When evaluating home improvements, it’s always a good idea to ask yourself if the money invested will be recouped in the sale of the home. The best renovations not only cover their costs, but they can actually provide a nice return. The key, of course, is identifying those improvements which deliver the biggest return for the smallest investment.

Here are five renovation projects which are both easy and inexpensive ways to dial up your home’s appeal and value:

1. Paint the front door: You might not have the budget for full exterior paint job, but have you looked at your front door lately? It’s a focal point from the street and if it’s looking weathered, improving its appearance can have a disproportionate impact on your curb appeal.

2. Paint the foyer/entry way: Interior paint is an obvious improvement, but you don’t have to make it an all-or-none proposition. Where do people enter your home? Refresh that point of entry and make it look brand new.

3. Change light fixtures and switch plates: You probably don’t even notice your light fixtures anymore, but buyers will. Swapping out the fixtures seldom requires an electrician’s skill, and modernizing the look goes a long way. Same goes for switch plates, which may have grimy fingerprints or bent dimmer switches.

4. Upgrade kitchen and bath fixtures: Do you need a new sink, or do you just need a fresh faucet? It’s amazing how much a deluxe kitchen faucet upgrade can change perceptions of a kitchen. Same goes for the bathrooms: Faucets and even a new toilet can do wonders.

5. Garden upgrades: Fresh borders on your flower gardens, new flowers, and fresh mulch are all small touches which refresh a home’s exterior.

Want a second pair of eyes to advise you on your modest remodeling? We are happy to help you make a checklist to prepare your home for sale. Give us a call today: 910-458-9119

Wilmington Home Buyers

Okay, first-time buyers… it’s time to turn the dream into the dirt you can stand on. Your very own home. I’m sure you have questions. In fact, I’m sure your questions are like most first-time buyers. Which is why I’ve put together this down-and-dirty answer guide for the most common questions home buyers have.

1. What kind of credit score do I need to have?

Generally, 630 or above is what you’ll want to have. The better your score, the better the terms will be on your loan. Some lenders may give you wiggle room on this, but it all depends on the circumstances. A loan professional can help you navigate this as you go.

2. How much of a down payment is required?

There are loans which will let you in for as low as 3% - 5% of the value of the home, but I would consider 5% to be the floor. More is better, especially if your credit isn’t as optimal as you’d like it to be. Working with a loan officer will help.

3. What’s the first step to home buying?

Getting pre-approval for a mortgage. Don’t shop for a home until you know what you can afford. There’s no use in falling in love with a $300,000 home in your dream neighborhood if the banks will only write you a loan of $150,000.

4. How much do I have to pay my real estate agent?

As a buyer, you don’t have to pay your real estate agent. The seller is responsible for listing fees and a portion of those fees will be paid to your agent for helping with the transaction.

5. Why should I use a real estate agent?

Like a lawyer, doctor, or other professional hired to represent your interests, the agent will not only advise you about the transaction, but protect and facilitate the process.

6. How long does it take to buy a house?

After you find the home you want to buy, it takes between 30 and 45 days, generally. The home search can take longer, however, so have a clear idea what you’re looking for and able to afford. (Your agent can help you with this. Another reason to have one on your side!)

Naturally, there’s more to buying a home, but this covers the basic introduction to the process. As your agent, I will walk you through the rest, guiding you along the way. When you’re ready to make the move, reach out to us at Coastwalk Real Estate, 910-458-9119

Wilmington MLS

Do you understand what an MLS is? If you’re searching for a home, an MLS (Multiple Listing Service) is absolutely crucial for discovering homes and marketing homes to agents and potential buyers. Get a clear understanding of the benefits of an MLS.

Odds are you’ve spent a little time online searching for homes. After all, most home searches begin online. You may have even used a broker’s website or a site like Trulia or Zillow to help you browse listings.

But where does listing information come from?

Way back in the day, prior to the Information Age revolution, brokers used to gather and exchange information about their properties. The idea was fairly straightforward: I’ll help you sell your properties if you help me sell mine. It’s a “private offer of cooperation and compensation.” Cooperation meant the real estate industry could thrive and buyers and sellers could enjoy smoother transactions.

This spirit of cooperation gave rise to Multiple Listing Service(s) (MLS). By consolidating information about housing inventory in an MLS, listing brokers and buyers’ brokers can easily share up-to-date information about homes on the market. Though an MLS is typically a private database available to brokers, much of the information is syndicated to outside sites in the interest of casting wider net for buyers and sellers.

As an MLS is the primary source of information about a property, it tends to be the most accurate. It may also contain private information for use by brokers only, such as times the home is available for showings and seller contact information.

There are upwards of 850 MLS databases in the U.S. alone, and to a certain extent, there is market pressure to centralize these into a national MLS database. We’re sure to see changes in how Multiple Listing Services are used in the future, but the core benefits to home sellers and buyers is sure to remain.

Ready to put the power of an MLS to work for you? Search with me today for homes on the market right now. We’d be happy to help you find your next home: Coastwalk Real Estate, 910-458-9119

Relocating to Wilmington NC

More and more retiring Baby Boomers are looking into relocation as a strategy to stretch those hard-earned dollars. Here are five things to consider if you’re contemplating a retirement relocation.

Unlike earlier generations of retirees who paid off their mortgages and retired in their family home, today's Baby Boomers are looking to capitalize on home equity to enhance their retirement savings. If you’re thinking how relocating might stretch your retirement dollar, below are a few points you should consider before relocating, downsizing, or trading up:

1. Speak with your spouse or partner first, even if you think you’re both of the same mind.  Don’t assume that you’re in agreement. When the moment to make the leap comes, feelings may change.

2. Consider the cost-of-living in a different part of the country. There’s a pretty big swing between rural Florida and urban San Francisco, for example. This might also mean factoring fuel costs if you’re moving into an area where you’re likely to spend more time driving.

3. Consider whether your plans are realistic. For example, could you really live in a 1-bedroom condo after spreading out for years in your present 4-bed/3-bath?

4. How much will the ease and pleasure of retirement depend on family and friends? What are the pros/cons of moving nearer/farther away? Conversely: Are there any detriments to moving closer to younger family members? (I.e. are you ready to open a free grandkid-sitting service?)

5. Consider the potential impact of capital gains if you have substantial equity in your home— speak with a tax professional. This is especially true if you’re downshifting from ownership into a rental market.

Relocating to a more affordable area as well as to a smaller home is a strong strategy. But real estate values and property taxes can vary immensely by locale, even within the same state. Research thoroughly. Also, you want to spend significant time in the location to make sure its compatible with your lifestyle, pace, and interests.

If you’re thinking about relocating or know someone who would like to speak to a local agent about relocation plans, please pass along our  information. We would be honored to serve your friends and family: Coastwalk Real Estate, 910-458-9119

Latest Wilmington NC Real Estate Listings

Springtime brings out buyers and sellers. There are lots of nice new listings that are hitting the market in Wilmington NC and the beaches.

On our website, we update listings daily!

Our website is a direct fee from the MLS, so by using our site you will be one of the first to see the newest listings.

Here is a link to the newest listings for sale

Please call Coastwalk Real Estate for more information at 910-458-9119.

Wrightsville Beach Real Estate Market Report 3-21-15

Average price per square foot for Wrightsville Beach NC was $623, an increase of 90.5% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Wrightsville Beach NC for Dec 14 to Mar 15 was $650,000 based on 17 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 10.6%, or $62,500, and the number of home sales increased 6.2%. There are currently 31 resale and new homes in Wrightsville Beach on Trulia, including 1 open house, as well as 2 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Wrightsville Beach NC was $624,330 for the week ending Mar 04, which represents a decrease of 0%, or $0, compared to the prior week.

View our rockin' Coastwalk Real Estate website blog, click here!

Take a look at some Wrightsville Beach Homes, click here

If you enjoy my posts, please add me to your Google+ Circles

If you enjoy my posts, please add me as a Facebook Friend

Let’s Network more, here is my LinkedIn Profile

Get my Tweets, here is my Twitter account

Leland Real Estate Market Report 3-21-15

Average price per square foot for Leland NC was $94, a decrease of 8.7% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Leland NC for Dec 14 to Mar 15 was $149,500 based on 40 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 10.7%, or $18,000, and the number of home sales decreased 48.1%. There are currently 653 resale and new homes in Leland on Trulia, including 13 open houses, as well as 75 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 $256,966 for the week ending Mar 04, which represents a decrease of 1.3%, or $3,274, compared to the prior week.

View our rockin' Coastwalk Real Estate website blog, click here!

Take a look at some Leland homes for sale, click here

If you enjoy my posts, please add me to your Google+ Circles

If you enjoy my posts, please add me as a Facebook Friend

Let’s Network more, here is my LinkedIn Profile

Get my Tweets, here is my Twitter account