Tips for Buyers Home Hunting in a Hot Market

The days of the buyer’s market are rapidly fading all over the country. Multiple offers and sales above list price are on the move. How can you shop smarter in a hot market?

We’ve come a long way since the darkest hours of the bottom of the home market. Now, buyers are finding the competition for homes surprisingly stiff. The days of touring twenty homes and deliberating over the tiniest details have slipped away.

So what can you do to increase your odds at landing a home you can love? Here are a few tips to help as you navigate this increasingly active market:

1. Get pre-approval for a loan before you begin shopping. Browsing without the power to buy is a recipe for heartbreak now.

2. Be clear about the neighborhoods you’re interested in before you shop. Understand what the recent trends have been in terms of sales and competition for those sales if possible.

3. Be prepared to lose out on some homes. Yes, it’s likely that one or two great candidates will get away. Mentally prepare yourself for the possibility of being outbid or not getting an offer written in time.

4. Have your agent familiarize you with multiple offer situations. Ask specific questions about how it works and what to expect.

5. Get cutting edge MLS information and/or information on homes not yet on the market. Hot sheets and inside information on potential new listings can position you for first in line. Work with an agent who has access to the latest information and a solid network of connections in the community.

6. Make offers on multiple properties and see which gets accepted first. If you have four homes which meet your criteria, don’t go round robin on the offers. Write four and see what shakes out.

I’ve seen what it takes to win a great home in a booming market, and would be glad to guide you through the experience. And sellers, this is also a great time to get in touch and list your home!

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  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 has the #1 Sales office on Pleasure Island too. Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.

I hope you are having a great week! The weather has been so nice in Wilmington and at the beach, and we have lots of folks looking at homes – especially families.

When a couple agrees it’s time to move, does that mean the couple has the same house in mind? Here’s a simple exercise for making sure you and your partner share a vision for your next home before the search begins.

It starts innocently enough one Saturday morning. Maybe you find yourself wishing you could host family at your house. Maybe you’re already dreading the long Monday morning commute. You look up at your partner and say: “You know, maybe we should think about moving.” To your surprise you hear: “I’ve been thinking the same thing. Let’s start looking tomorrow!”

Not so fast! Knowing that you and your partner want to move isn’t enough to begin your home search in earnest. Before you jump the gun and a start going to open houses, it’s a good idea to determine what’s behind the desire to move. Is it the neighborhood? Is it the commute? Is it the lack of space? If you don’t get an idea what’s behind your urge for a new house, you could end up house hunting with mismatched priorities.

Without a mutual understanding, you can end up wasting a lot of time looking at homes which don’t have a hope of satisfying your needs. Without articulating your needs to one another, you could end up fighting without knowing why. Worse, you might decide to spend more than you can afford in order to accommodate each disparate desire. 

Here’s a simple exercise to ensure you share your home priorities with one another:

Step 1: Set time aside to separately make lists of the factors which inspired you to consider moving. List your motivating likes and dislikes. Write them down, and don’t share these with each other yet.

Step 2: List everything you’d like to have in your next home. Again, do this separately. Be free, list everything. Be specific. Don’t hold back. Let it rip to get the ideas flowing.

Step 3: Look at your list and draw a box around what you consider a NEED. After that, draw a circle around everything that’s reasonable to WANT. Again, do this alone.

Step 4: Rank your needs in order of importance. Rank your wants from highest to lowest.

Step 5: Once you’ve created your list, get together with your partner and compare lists. It’s unlikely everything will match up perfectly. Talk it out. See where you can compromise.

Step 6: Make a third list together of ranked NEEDS / WANTS. Congrats! This is the home you’re really looking for.

The final step? Get in touch with us to help you find that home!

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  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 has the #1 Sales office on Pleasure Island too. Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.

Carolina Beach Things to Do

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

Ranked one of the top 10 boardwalks in the country by Food & Wine magazine, a stroll on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk features classic seaside family fun with shops, restaurants and nightlife entertainment. During the summer months, the Boardwalk is bustling with the sound of music, laughter and the squeals of kids of all ages as they whoosh and whirl past on the assortment of rides at the seaside amusement park and at extraordinary events like the weekly fireworks and concert series. Annual off-season events that include Boardwalk activities are Christmas by the Sea and the Island of Lights Festival. One of the last remaining beach boardwalks on the East Coast, you can get your fill of famous homemade donuts, ice cream, and fudge, play in the arcade, see the ocean from the Ferris wheel, or dance the night away to live music.

Carolina Beach State Park

Enjoy the 761 acres of natural beauty at the Carolina Beach State Park.  For your convenience the park has a marina providing access to some of North Carolina's best fishing spots. It also has a secluded camping area beneath towering trees and miles of hiking trails that traverse a variety of distinct habitats so you can enjoy the true natural environment of the area. - See more at: http://www.visitcarolinabeachnc.com/things-to-do/carolina-beach-state-park#sthash.snrZY3au.dpuf

Carolina Beach Lake Park

Carolina Beach Lake was once noted in the Guiness Book of World Records as being the freshwater lake closest to salt water. This 11-acre lake offers 4 gazebos, restrooms, sheltered picnic area, an amphitheatre and playground equipment. Paddleboats operate daily during the summer and weekends/holidays. There are concerts, festivals and a weekly Farmer’s Market in the summertime. On Sunday evenings, the park hosts outdoor movies!

Mike Chapel Park

Located off Dow Rd, tis large park offers baseball fields, basketball, lighted tennis, a skate park, playground and dog park.

Carolina Beach Fishing Pier

One of the few Piers left on Pleasure Island where a person can relax with friends and catch the many different species of fish that Carolina Beach has to offer. It is a full service Pier with a small restaurant as well as a tackle shop with a variety of tackle and baits available to their customers. Family Owned and Operated with a home town feeling

Kure Beach Ocean Front Park

Ocean Front Park is Kure Beach's largest public green space. The Ocean Front Park is located in the heart of the downtown area near the iconic Kure Beach Fishing Pier. This wonderful addition to Kure Beach includes an open-air pavilion with a stage for concerts, weddings and events, public restrooms, a walking path, a play area for children, swings and rain gardens - all along the oceanfront!

Ft Fisher Recreation Area

Explore Fort Fisher State Recreation Area by foot. A short trail meanders through the marsh, allowing hikers a chance to view sound-side flora and fauna. Comb the beach for sea stars, keyhole urchins and whelk shells as well! There are also miles of beaches to enjoy, an aquarium, history center and the Ferry to Soutport.

Three islands comprise this component of the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve with extensive marshes and tidal flats. Inhabitants include shorebirds, mammals and endangered loggerhead sea turtles. A small parking lot and boat ramp are maintained by the state Wildlife Resources Commission on the shore of the basin area. There are no trails on Zeke's Island. Zeke's Island is open year round, but is accessible only by small boats, canoes, and kayaks. - See more at: http://www.visitcarolinabeachnc.com/things-to-do/zekes-island-#sthash.lA3gwiPS.dpuf

Zeke’s Island

Three islands comprise this component of the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve with extensive marshes and tidal flats. Inhabitants include shorebirds, mammals and endangered loggerhead sea turtles. A small parking lot and boat ramp are maintained by the state Wildlife Resources Commission on the shore of the basin area. There are no trails on Zeke's Island. Zeke's Island is open year round, but is accessible only by small boats, canoes, and kayaks.

Provided bu Justin Donaton

Wilmington NC neighborhoods

This time of year we work with a lot of buyers from out of town. They are 100% committed to moving to Wilmington (or buying a second home), but they are unsure of the neighborhoods they want to be in.

How do you predict the value of a neighborhood? While no one can say for sure how home values in a neighborhood will rise or decline over time, there are big-picture economic factors that you can look for to help get handle on where they may be going.

1. Major regional employers. If a community depends upon one or two large companies for a high percentage of local employment, you can bet that as the company fares, so will the neighborhoods. While “company towns” are hardly the norm these days, don’t overlook the possibility.

2. Number of properties currently for sale. Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with a neighborhood just because the inventory (i.e. number of homes on the market) is high. Other times, something may be amiss. If you’re seeing street-after-street of “FOR SALE” signs, ask questions.

3. History of Sales. I recommend to my clients that we evaluate 5 years of sales data on any given neighborhood. While data from the past 6 months is likely what a buyer and seller will use for “comps”, sometimes looking at sales data over a longer period can establish neighborhood trends.

4. Major construction. Is that a new school they’re building, or is it a supermax prison? Did they clear that land for a new shopping center, or is it a new loop for the interstate? Certain types of construction can improve home values while others can hurt. Getting in touch with the local planning commission as well as the local newspaper’s business section (or website) can help illuminate what’s behind those bulldozers and cement mixers. As experienced local agents, we often know the answers to these questions too!

5. Rental density. People who own the homes they live in tend to take better care of them. Also, it’s preferable to have long-term neighbors versus high-turnover tenants. Absentee landlords or seasonally rented properties in established communities can also be a drag on a neighborhood. Get a feel for the rental density and the direction it’s heading. Rental density matters.

6. Environmental conditions. One industrial accident that poisons a water supply is enough to annihilate home values. Don’t rule out environmental liabilities or benefits.

As an area in general, Wilmington gets terrific reviews! Over the past few years Wilmington has been recognized in numerous national publications such as Money Magazine, Forbes. The area has also seen international investment  dollars, as well as the expansions and relocations of major employers to the area.

So where in the Wilmington area do you want to live? Pleasure Island, Mayfaire, downtown, Ogden?

Nobody’s crystal ball is perfect, but it’s important to evaluate major macroeconomic factors when deciding. Even if you’re only planning on staying in a location for 5 - 7 years, do yourself a favor and try to position yourself to make, not lose money, on your home or investment with these tips in mind.

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 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 has the #1 Sales office on Pleasure Island too. Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.

Home Inspections Wilmington NC

When I place a home UNDER CONTRACT, I remind clients we still have a lot of work to do. I am with my clients every step of the way. Many agents will hire “closing coordinators” to assist with closing.  It’s my belief an agent should personally oversee every action that takes place during the contract period. It’s just too important of a time. As your agent, I will be your closing coordinator too!

One of the more important things done once your home is UNDER CONTRACT is the home inspection. Everyone wants a smooth home inspection. Sellers, buyers, agents... everyone’s rooting that this high-stakes moment passes without a hitch. Add to that list the home inspector, too!

Save time, save money. If you’re selling, there are things you can do to make the home inspector’s job easier and help ensure the most accurate report possible.

1. Declutter your appliances. Get the pots off the stove, remove pans stored in the oven, take that bowl out of the microwave, and check the washer and dryer bins for clothes. While all of these appliances need to be tested, you don’t want an inspector rummaging through your laundry or scorching a pot to get the job done.

2. Replace burned-out light bulbs. If a light switch doesn’t work, the inspector will need to determine if it’s a problem with the fixture itself. Take the time to hunt down those light bulbs that might be out-of-the way, too... (Closets, attics, basements, guest rooms, etc.)

3. Keep access doors clear. You might have furniture blocking seldom-used crawlspace entrances, or the space for the pull-down stairs up to the attic may be obstructed. Make these entryways clear to the inspector and save them the time and hassle of getting into hidden areas.

4. Be honest about what doesn’t work. Don’t deceive your home inspector or hope they’ll overlook something. It’s bound to come out, and failure to disclose home defects can be a legal hassle down the line. Know the garbage disposal is broken? Say so. Leave notes for the inspector or prepare them in advance with an email message, etc.        

5. Point out pumps and septic tank locations. If you have your own well and septic system, make sure the location of these is clearly described for the inspector. Annotate a photo or draw a simple map if need be.

6. Check your smoke detectors. People forget to change batteries in smoke detectors, and if you’ve neglected yours (or taken them down to change batteries and left them in the garage!) double-check to make sure they’re in place and functioning.

7. Documentation. Provide records of any past repairs, or maintenance contracts (such as your HVAC).

Naturally, this list assumes you’ve made any pre-inspection repairs you want to address. Want a more information about the home inspection process, or the selling process in general? Coastwalk Real Estate has a 28-Step Selling Process that I would like to share with you, so call or email me today.

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 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 has the #1 Sales office on Pleasure Island too. Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.

Carolina Beach Market Update 3-8-14

This week I wanted to provide a summary of sales so far this year, in addition to highlighting a few properties that Team Coastwalk has recently SOLD.

Through March 5^th 2014, there have been 499 total sales in New Hanover County according to MLS. 458 of these are homes or condo sales, and 41 are land sales.

Through March 5^th of 2013, there were 537 total sales in New Hanover County.  492 of these were homes and condos, and 45 land sales.

Across the board, sales are down about 12%. I think one of the main reasons for this has been the weather – January and February have been pretty cold and wet months. In an analysis of website traffic, activity on-line is booming, especially from the Northeast.

The City of Wilmington has seen 416 total sales through March 5^th 2014. 386 of these are homes or condos. The average selling price per square foot of these properties is $116.

During the same period in 2013, Wilmington had 460 total sales. 423 of these were homes or condos, with an average price per square foot of $107.

On the Island, in 2014, there have been 54 total sales. 43 of these are homes or condos, and 11 have been land sales. This compares to 55 total sales in 2013. 47 of these being homes or condos, and 8 having been land sales

In Wrightsville Beach, there have been 13 sales in 2014, compared to 14 sales in 2013 over the same period.

Here is a quick summary of some recent transactions:

212 Marquesa Way, Kure Beach – SALES PRICE = $671,900 – This is a new home built by Windjammer Construction. A very nice home inside and out, with some ocean views. It has 4 bedrooms, and 3.5 baths

410 E Ave, Kure Beach – SALES PRICE = $575,000 – A super home on a nice private lot, just down the street from the beach. It has an inverted floorplan, and an elevator. Was sold with a Hot Tub!

510 Hamlet Ave, Carolina Beach – SALES PRICE = $477,000 – A nice ranch home in Wilmington. Nicely designed, has upper large garage.

602 North Carolina Ave, Carolina Beach – SALES PRICE = $424,900 – A new home by Ocean Grove Cottages, offering 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.

505 McQuillan Dr, Wilmington – SALES PRICE = $387,000  - Located off River Rd, this home has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths and was on a ½ acre lot.

1418 Bowfin Lane #2, Carolina Beach – SALES PRICE = $345,400 – 4 Bedroom townhome on Bowfin Lane with some ocean views!

1407 Mackerel Lane #2, Carolina Beach – SALES PRICE = $340,000 – A very nicely designed condo duplex with tons of upgrades inside.

637 Sloop Pt Lane, Kure Beach – SALES PRICE = $231,500. Located in “The Keys”, this townhome has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Nothing fancy, but a great location!

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 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 has the #1 Sales office on Pleasure Island too. Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.

Wilmington NC New Homes

Buying a new home is the American Dream. At Coastwalk Real Estate, we have a great selection of new homes for sale listed on our website. Take a look, and if you are interested in more details, please call us at 910-458=9119

Some of the many advantages of buying a new home include:

 Ease of maintenance. New homes do not require as much upkeep as older homes, due to improvements and durability in their building materials.

Customization. Choice of selection for the buyer’s tastes and lifestyle.

Floor plans that are designed for this decade. Properties with largerand more operational kitchens, multimedia rooms, family rooms, and better use of the available space.

Green options. For a greater efficiency and comfort.

Technology oriented.  Appropriate wiring, sound proofed, cable accessing, more electrical outlets, internet access, computerized options, etc.

Safety. No hazardous substances, like asbestos, lead based paint, etc. Built according to current building code and features for protection against eventual natural disasters.

Builder’s warranties. Complete warranties that cover everything inside and out of the house, and for longer time.

Community. A community of new homes allows the planned development of a specific lifestyle. Like, active adults, family with children, sports, etc.

Being the first owner! That speaks for itself!

Provided by Justin Donaton

New Hanover County Homes for Sale

New Hanover County consists of the towns of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

Wilmington is the main city with a population over 100,000. It has an international airport, several colleges, good schools, lots of parks, great shopping, dining and entertainment.

The area beaches are barrier islands that offer beautiful water and easy beach access. Popular activities include surfing, biking, sailing, fishing and scuba diving.

Homes in New Hanover County range from around $100,000 to several million dollars. New Hanover County real estate taxes are considered average, when compared to other areas around the country.

If you are interested in New Hanover County homes for sale, please contact Coastwalk Real Estate. We can be reached at 910-458-9119.

If you would like to see a sampling of homes for sale in New Hanover County, then click here!

Provided by Justin Donaton

New Hanover County Tax Rates 2013

*Per $100 of Valuation                                                

Carolina Beach Realty Info

I hope you are well!  While I love winter time at the beach, wow, it’s been a cold one this year!

Even with the cold temperatures, we have seen some nice activity in Carolina and Kure Beach.

Single family homes priced up to $600,000 have been moving well. Nicer townhomes and duplexes are selling. And vacant lots are being scooped up too. As the temperatures warm, I’d expect an increase in activity with ocean front homes and condos.

This week I wanted to share with you a summary of some island homes that have recently SOLD, or recently gone PENDING.

SOLD - 212 Marquesa Way, Kure Beach – This home is being built by Windjammer Construction, and is located in Live Oak Village. Sales price was $671,900.

SOLD – 510 Hamlet Ave, Carolina Beach – A very nice ranch home with lots of upgrades inside, including a large Lanai. Sales price was $477,000

SOLD – 602 North Carolina Ave, Carolina Beach – A new home with 5 bedrooms, by Ocean Grove Cottages. Stylish. Sold for $442,150

SOLD – 1418 Bowfin Lane #2, Carolina Beach – 4 Bedroom townhome-style duplex.  Sales price was $345,400.

SOLD – 1418 Bowfin Lane #1, Carolina Beach – 4 Bedroom townhome-stlye duplex. Sales price was $326,000.

SOLD - 156 Seawatch Way, Kure Beach – A home site in Kure Beach that is outside the Flood Zone and backs-up to the common area. Sales price was $192,500.

SOLD – 1414 Snapper Lane, Carolina Beach – A home site in Carolina Beach. Lot was cleared and no fill needed. Sales price was $95,000.

UNDER CONTRACT - 410 E Ave,  Kure Beach  – This is a beautiful home in Kure Beach on a very private lot. List price is $599,900.

UNDER CONTRACT – 1222 Mackerel Lane, Carolina Beach

UNDER CONTRACT – 1607 Mackerel Lane, Carolina Beach – 4 Bedroom home with a really nice kitchen and a cool backyard. List price is $369,000.

UNDER CONTRACT – 1407 Mackerel Lane #2, Carolina Beach – Nice townhome in Carolina Beach outside of the Flood Zone. Has a roof top deck. List price is $349,000

UNDER CONTRACT – 927 Coastwalk Lane, Carolina Beach – A well built home in Carolina Sands. List price is $309,000

I’ll keep you posted in the coming weeks of new activity, and as always, call or email anytime!

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. Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.