When you buy a Wilmington home, you need to know exactly what you’re buying. Imagine how frustrated you’d be to find out that the hot water heater wasn’t working—in the middle of a shower! This is why you should have a home inspection before you buy your home. A home inspection is an important part of buying your home. Before you hire a home inspector, ask candidates a few questions to make sure you hire a trustworthy inspector.

1. What does your inspection cover? Not all inspections are the same. Ask for copies of previous home inspections so you can see exactly what they will check inside the [city] home. If you are concerned about something specific, like a leaky faucet in the bathroom, mention that to the inspector so they can check it out.

2. Are you licensed or certified? If you live in a state that licenses home inspectors, ask to see their license. At the very least, choose a home inspector who belongs to American Society of Home Inspectors. This shows a level of professionalism and education that you can trust.

3. What kind of report will you give me? You should expect a written report detailing what the inspector found. Most inspectors will give you a typed report within a week of the inspection. Make sure the inspector will be available to explain anything on the report that doesn’t make sense to you.

4. Will I be able to attend the inspection? If the inspector refuses to let you be present during the home inspection, find someone else. This is your chance to know exactly what you are buying and what potential repairs you or the seller will have to make.

As your real estate agent, I will guide you through the home buying process. Let me help you find your new Wilmington NC home. Call us today at 910-458-9119. Wilmington NC home LINKS:

1. Home inspection - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_inspection
2. American Society of Home Inspectors. - http://www.ashi.org/
3. Easy household repairs. - http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/repair/5-home-repairs-you-should-do-yourself.htm

As we enter 2015, there are some great beach homes for sale in the Wilmington area. Please come take a look, or call us at 910-458-9119

New homes are for sale in Wilmington beach, starting in the mid $350's. Here is a home at 1213 Mackerel Lane that is really nice, and prices at $449,900: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/property/54dd69fdef65401e3a7702b4/

This house has a metal roof, impact glass, and built well! Inside has granite counters, a kitchen island, tiled baths and more!

If you desire a condo in the Wilmington area, then check out this 2 bedroom / 2 bath condo at the beach. It's priced at $249,500, and it has wood floors, granite counters and water views. Click Here for more info on 712 Saint Joseph St.

Please let us know if we can provide any add'l information.

Coastwalk Real Estate

North Carolina Beach Houses for Sale

There are super beach homes for sale in North Carolina. The region we focus on is Wilmington, NC.

Wilmington offers all the amenities of a larger city, with all the charm of quaint seaside communities.

Downtown Wilmington has a historic river front, great shops and delicious restaurants.

Wrightsville Beach offers large ocean front homes.

Carolina Beach offers a variety of coastal homes in many price ranges.

Mid town Wilmington offers shops, and everything else that you need!

If you would like more information on North Carolina Beach Homes for sale please call Coastwalk Real Estate at 910-458-9119.

Or, here are a few quick links to search for homes:

Carolina Beach - Homes for Sale

Kure Beach - Homes for Sale

Wrightsville Beach - Homes for Sale

Wilmington NC Real Estate Investments

Do you own investment property in Wilmington? There are new rules for taking deductions on repairs versus improvements. Check out this quick guide.

Investment property owners and landlords know that tax deductions are a crucial component of making sure they maximize their returns. In January of 2014 the IRS in the U.S. implemented a somewhat complex distinction as to what constitutes a repair versus improvement.

Why does it matter? Well, repairs can be deducted in a single year. So if you have a $1,000 qualifying repair, you can deduct it at one time. If it's an improvement, however, the $1,000 worth of work may need to be depreciated over several years. (In some cases, more than 27 years!)

One useful test for understanding if a deduction can be taken in a single year is whether or not it falls outside of the "Betterment, Adaptation, or Restoration" assessment. If the work falls under these categories, they'll need to be depreciated, not deducted in a lump sum.

There are some subtle considerations for each case. For a detailed look at what constitutes a betterment, adaptation, or restoration, take a look at this handy article:

Repairs vs. Improvements: Complicated New IRS Rules

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/repairs-vs-improvements-how-tax-deductions-differ-landlords.html

 Granted, this blog post shouldn’t be taken in lieu of the advice of a trained tax professional, but I hope you find it helpful as it pertains to your investments.

 Looking for a new investment property? We can be of great assistance when it comes to identifying overlooked opportunities in the market. Get in touch today and let’s discuss what might fit your criteria:  Please call Coastwalk Real Estate at 910-458-9119

Sherri Pickard, GRI, SFR, CDPE
2015 President, Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors

WILMINGTON, N.C. (January 16, 2015) – When analyzing eleven major zip codes in our region – 28401, 28403, 28405, 28409, 28411, 28412, 28451, 28480, 28428, 28449, and 28443 – an average of the zip codes shows for the year-end of 2014:

• Our average sales price has increased by 4.6% from year-end 2013.
• Of the 5,000 sellers in 2014 – 34.0% paid some sort of concession toward the purchase of the house.
• Our list to sales price ratio for year-end is 96.20%, a decrease from 96.37% for year-end 2013. 
• The average list price of the sold properties is $273,531 and is up 4.8% from year-end 2013.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for the year was 119 days, compared to 121 days for year-end 2013. 
• The median sold price of $217,250 for year-end has increased 8.6% from year-end 2013. 

The areas of focus in this analysis were: 

• Selling Price – The price the seller accepts for his or her house.
• Sellers Concessions – The amount of money a seller of a house contributes toward the buyers purchase.
• List to Sales Price Ratio – The difference between the list price and the selling price shown as a percentage.
• Days on Market – The number of days a house remains for sale, from the listing date to the date the property is placed under contract.
• List Price – The amount of money a home is listed on the market.
• Median Price – The middle price of all the properties sold in the given time period.

28401

• The average selling price of $132,649 has decreased 2.4% from year-end 2013 average selling price of $135,949.
• 27% of sellers paid a concession in 2014 compared to 24% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $142,103 has decreased 1.7% from year-end 2013 average list price of $144,594.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 140 days compared to 138 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $110,000 for Year-end has increased 11.1% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 93.3% of the asking price, a decrease from 94.02% for year-end 2013.

28403

• The average selling price of $212,842 has increased 4.3% from year-end 2013 average selling price of $204,046.
• 28% of sellers paid a concession in 2014 compared to 25% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $224,222 has increased 5.2% from year-end 2013 average list price of $213,052.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 124 days compared to 116 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $174,500 for Year-end has increased 1.5% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 94.9% of the asking price, a decrease from 95.7% for year-end 2013.

28405

• The average selling price of $300,789 has increased 2.5% from year-end 2013 average selling price of $293,443.
• 30% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 23% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $314,652 for 2014 has increased 2.4% from year-end 2013 average list price of $307,332.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 120 days compared to 141 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $195,000 for 2014 has increased 5.4% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 95.5% of the asking price, an increase from 95.4% for year-end 2013.

28409

• The average selling price of $308,567 has increased 8.6% from year-end 2013 average selling price of $284,192.
• 39% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 26% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $318,635 for 2014 has increased 8.6% over year-end 2013 average list price of $293,510.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 116 days compared to 102 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $265,540 for 2014 has increased 12.0% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 96.8% of the asking price, it matched 96.8% from year-end 2013.

28411

• The average selling price of $289,741 has increased 4.0% from year-end 2013 average selling price of $278,466.
• 40% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 33% in year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $303,654 for 2014 has increased 4.9% over year-end 2013 average list price of $289,562.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 107 days compared to 111 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $224,950 for 2014 has increased by 4.7% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 95.4% of the asking price, a decrease from 96.1% for year-end 2013.

28412

• The average selling price of $196,712 has increased 2.1% over year-end 2013 average selling price of $192,753.
• 41% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 28% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $200,864 for 2014 has increased 2.1% over year-end 2013 average list price of $196,661.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 95 days compared to 91 days for year-end 2013. The best of all zip codes.
• The median sold price of $174,000 for 2014 has increased 4.6% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 97.9% of the asking price, a decrease from 98.0% for year-end 2013.

28451

• The average selling price of $224,523 has increased 9.1% from year-end 2013 average selling price of $205,798.
• 34% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 26% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $226,889 for 2014 has increased 8.6% over year-end 2013 average list price of $208,981.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 117 days compared to 114 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $210,000 for 2014 has increased 16.7% from year-end 2013. The best of all zip codes.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 98.9% of the asking price, an increase from 98.4% for year-end 2013. The best of all zip codes.

28480

• The average selling price of $743,370 has increased 2.2% from year-end 2013 average selling price of $727,210.
• 9% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 8% in year-end 2013. The best of all zip codes.
• The average list price of $810,215 for 2014 has increased 1.4% over year-end 2013 average list price of $799,085.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 182 days compared to 254 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $700,000 for 2014 has increased 8.5% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 91.7% of the asking price, an increase from 91.0% for year-end 2013.

28428

• The average selling price of $261,366 has increased .3% from year-end 2013 average selling price of $260,637.
• 20% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 18% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $272,238 for 2014 has increased 2.6% over year-end 2013 average list price of $270,732.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 145 days compared to 180 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $233,500 for 2014 has decreased 2.7% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 96.0% of the asking price, a decrease from 96.2% for year-end 2013.

28449

• The average selling price of $374,272 has increased 1.8% over year-end 2013 average selling price of $367,716.
• 10% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 8% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $390,656 for 2014 has increased 1.9% over year-end 2013 average list price of $383,544.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 150 days compared to 175 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $328,250 for 2014 has increased 9.4% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 95.8% of the asking price, it matched 95.8% for year-end 2013.

28443

• The average selling price of $259,299 has increased 10.5% over year-end 2013 average selling price of $234,613. The best of all zip codes.
• 41% of sellers in 2014 paid a concession compared to 38% for year-end 2013.
• The average list price of $267,989 for 2014 has increased 11.5% over year-end 2013 average list price of $240,303. The best of all zip codes.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2014 was 132 days compared to 120 days for year-end 2013.
• The median sold price of $240,000 for 2014 has increased 6.7% from year-end 2013.
• Sold homes in 2014 received 96.7% of the asking price, a decrease from 97.6% for year-end 2013.

Ten out of eleven zip codes reported an increase in the average sales price. Eight out of eleven zip codes have the List to Sales price ratio above 95%. Sellers are getting closer to their asking price, which is a good sign that real estate is continuing to improve.

2014 Year-End Local Real Estate Zip Code Report

When analyzing eleven major zip codes in our region - 28401, 28403, 28405, 28409, 28411, 28412, 28451, 28480, 28428, 28449, and 28443 - an average of the zip codes shows for the year-end of 2014:

• Our average sales price has increased by 4.6% from year-end 2013.
• Of the 5,000 sellers in 2014 - 34.0% paid some sort of concession toward the purchase of the house.
• Our list to sales price ratio for year-end is 96.20%, a decrease from 96.37% for year-end 2013. 
• The average list price of the sold properties is $273,531 and is up 4.8% from year-end 2013.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for the year was 119 days, compared to 121 days for year-end 2013. 
• The median sold price of $217,250 for year-end has increased 8.6% from year-end 2013.

Top 21 Tips… For Home Selling Success!

1              Curb Appeal: Bring it to the best appearance possible.

2              Driveway: Fix needed repairs, wash it or clean it.

3              Roof: How is the condition?

4              Mailbox: Make it attractive.

5              Front Door: Must be in the best shape possible.

6              Windows: Clean and crack free?

7              Exterior Paint: How is the condition?

8              Garage Door: How is the condition?

9              Front, Side & Back Yards: Must be in the best shape.

10           Your Cars: If not in good shape, remove from driveway for showings.

11           Front Entry: Clean & free of clutter

12           Closets & Rooms: Remove as much clothing and furniture as possible.

13           Carpet: Must be clean.

14           Door Leading to Garage: Have door unlocked and garage clean.

15           Interior Paint: Must be in the best shape possible.

16           Light Bulbs: Make sure all work.

17           Furnace & Air Conditioner: Clean them up and working good.

18           Home Clutter: Eliminate it.

19           Kitchen: Clean and bright at all times.

20           Baths & Bedrooms & Pool: Clean and bright at all times.

21           Home Smell: Must be fresh. If you smoke please use air freshener.

Wilmington Beach Homes Real Estate Update

I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, a happy Holiday, and a safe and prosperous New Year!

As I’m sure you are aware, our real estate market has seen some considerable changes over the past few years. Gone are the days of short sales and foreclosures. Prices have leveled, and it's an even playing field for buyers and sellers.
 
If you’re thinking about making renovations to your home, or possibly selling it in 2015, the first thing you’ll want to know is the current market value.
 
You’re invited to use a free home value report calculator on our website that cross-references your home to comparable sales in our area to estimate a price your home would sell for if it were to go on the MLS today. http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/cma/property-valuation/

Carolina Beach -- In 2014, through 12/20/14, we have seen 284 home / condo sales in Carolina Beach, ranging from $80,000 to $1,250,000. 104 of these are single family homes, and the average price per square foot of these homes was $183. In 2014, there were 62 land sales in Carolina Beach.

Compared to the same period in 2013, we saw 300 home / condos sales in Carolina Beach, ranging from $70,000 to $1,280,000. 125 of these were single family homes, and the average price per square foot of these homes came in at $166. In 2013, there 43 land sales in Carolina Beach.

Comparing 2013 to 2014, the total number of sales was about even. In 2014 we saw a bump in land sales, and a drop in condo sales. In 2014, the average price per square foot of single family homes rose $17.

Kure Beach -- In 2014, through 12/20/14, we have seen 96 home / condo sales in Kure Beach, ranging from $115,000 to $1,300,000. 63 of these are single family homes, and the average price per square foot of these homes was $ 188. In 2014, there were 18 land sales in Kure Beach.

Compared to the same period in 2013, we saw 83 home / condos sales in Kure Beach, ranging from $83,000 to $ 1,600,000. 48 of these were single family homes, and the average price per square foot of these homes came in at $168. In 2013, there 21 land sales in Kure Beach.

Comparing 2013 to 2014, the total number of sales was slightly down in Kure Beach. Interestingly, the average price per square foot was also down. In 2014 we saw an increase in the number of larger / more expensive homes in Kure Beach sell, but they did so at a greater discount.

Of course if you would like more detailed information, or if you’d like to discuss how these stats impact your real estate investments, please just call me at 910-352-0998 anytime. Thanks a ton, and have a wonderful Holiday!

Carolina Beach, NC

Average price per square foot for Carolina Beach NC was $185, an increase of 13.5% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Carolina Beach NC for Sep 14 to Dec 14 was $223,000 based on 37 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 3%, or $7,000, and the number of home sales decreased 35.1%. There are currently 220 resale and new homes in Carolina Beach on Trulia, including 47 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 $334,872 for the week ending Dec 03, which represents an increase of 3.6%, or $11,553, compared to the prior week.

If you would like more information, please contact Coastwalk Real Estate at 910-458-9119