Declutter Your House

I often work with clients who find themselves outgrowing their home. Sometimes these are couples who have welcomed their first child into the world, and other times it’s the simple accumulation of “stuff” over time which has crowded their house.

While I’m always glad to help homeowners make the “upgrade” to a bigger home (and now is a pretty good time to buy a lot of house for comparatively little money), I’m also interested in helping them make the most of the home they have today. Given the amount of time we spend in our homes, it makes sense to work towards a clutter-free, organized, peaceful environment.

Sometimes I work with clients who find the things they own have ended up “owning them.” What we own and what we actually use are often very different, and what we don’t use can take up a lot of space. Have you ever calculated the usable square footage an abandoned treadmill or stationary bike takes up in a spare room or garage?

Recently, I came across a very interesting guide to help clients and friends “unclutter” their lives. Written by Dinah Sanders, Discardia: More Life, Less Stuff is a handy way to approach the problem of a packed house (and the stresses associated it). From a review of the Discardia:

“With three key principles and numerous practical tips, Discardia helps you solve specific issues, carve away the nonsense of physical objects, habits, or emotional baggage, and uncover what brings you joy.”

Whether you’re looking to downsize, feel cramped in your current home, or get a sense that you could have more happiness if you had “less stuff,” I recommend you check out this actionable, inspiring, (but not sappy) book. Dinah also runs a blog (http://www.discardia.com/) where you can learn more about her approach and read articles on the topic of enjoying more with less.

If you’re looking to upgrade or downgrade your home, I’d be happy to help. Get in touch with me here:

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Carolina Beach Real Estate Market Info

Active now (no contracts)

Special points of interest:

● 309 Total Properties presently on the market (single family, condo, town-homes)

● 4 of the 309 are potential short sale

● 0 of the 309 are foreclosures

● 33 were built before 1980

● 1% of the actives are distressed (short sale of foreclosure)

● 173 of active inventory is priced be-tween $200,000 to $400,000 and this is selling well.

● 58 of active inventory from $401,000 to $650,000 price range

● 34 of active inventory above $651,000 price.

● 44 under $199,900

● 27 homes built 2012 & 2013 on market presently

Solds Past 6 Months

Special points of interest:

● 270 Closed Sales in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach (single family, townhome and/or condominium) 1/1/13 to 9/9/13

● 120 of the 270 Sales were single family

● 28 of the 270 were Foreclosures

● 20 of the 197 were short sales

● 28 were ocean front

● 6 were sound front

● 18% of the total sales since 1/1/13 were distressed (short sale or foreclosure)

● #1 best selling in price range $200,000 to $300,000, 97 out of a total 270

● #2 best selling $199,999 and below, 85 out of a total 270

● #3 best selling $301,000 to $400,000, 49 out of a total 270

● 37 of 270 Closed homes were built 2012 and 2013

Market Hot Spots

Special points of interest:

● Single Families, selling well

● Older Beach Bungalows, not many on market to compete with so can be a good niche to list now

● Water front or water views, selling well & inventory shrinking

● New Construction, selling well and number of active inventory just 27 of 309

● 94 Sold homes out of a total 270 were priced between $200,000 & $400,000

● Fewer foreclosures and short sales to com-pete with and buyers have been drawn to those super low prices. This number changes but presently, it is at a low so good timing to list with less competition.

Above Information taken from the Wilmington Multiple Listing Service, 9/9/13

Wilmington Real Estate information

Home sales are up this year, compared to last year, in the greater Wilmington area.

According to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, figures release Tuesday by the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors (WRAR) showed a four percent hike in the number of homes sold in the greater Wilmington area in August 2013 compared to August 2012.

Throughout New Hanover, northern Brunswick and Pender Counties, 596 homes were sold last month, compared to 573 homes sold in August 2012.

According to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, the median price for a home last month was $183, 750. The average price of a home sold in August increased two percent to $226,062, compared to $221, 365 in August 2012.

Selling your home Wilmington NC Real Estate

Real Estate Corner…

Q.  I tried to sell my home but didn’t get any good offers.  What should I do differently to get it sold?

A.  After re-evaluating your home’s price and condition, you need to revisit your marketing plan.

Do the pictures of your home on the Internet really show your home to its best advantage?  Did your home get seen by as many potential buyers as possible?  To help you pump up the plan, you should hire not just a REALTOR^® but a Home Marketing Expert who knows how to show your home’s greatest features and how to get your home more exposure.  A Home Marketing Expert knows the best strategies to sell homes fast and for the most money possible.

To learn more about how to sell your home the second time, call and ask for my Free Consumer Report called “4 Tips To Guarantee Your Home Sells The Second Time.”  I’ll send a copy right over to you.

Do you have a question you want answered?  Just call me at 910-352-0998. Coastwalk Real Estate

Fall is here and this is the nicest time of year at the beach. The weather is warm, the humidity drops, the water feels great and bright blue sky shines!

For these reasons, the Fall can be one of the best times of the year to sell a home.  While the number of buyers shopping for homes drops, the interest level of those looking this time of year is high – Fall buyers are good buyers!

This week I wanted to provide a quick update on sales for the year…

In Carolina Beach, there are currently 253 homes and condos listed for sale.

There are 55 home sites for sale, starting as low as $55,000.00.

Since 1/1/2013, there have been 84 homes to SELL in Carolina Beach. The average price per square foot is $171. The average “Days on Market” these home have been listed before selling is 154 days.

A shack on Goldsboro Ave  SOLD for $76,000, which is the lowest sales price this year in Carolina Beach. Nine homes have SOLD over $500,000 in Carolina Beach this year.

107 Condos have SOLD in Carolina Beach in 2013, and 39 home sites have SOLD.

In Kure Beach, there are currently 100 homes and condos listed for sale.

There are 23 home sites for sale, starting as low as $98,500.00.

Since 1/1/2013, there have been 34 homes to SELL in Kure Beach. The average price per square foot is $195. The average “Days on Market” these home have been listed before selling is 201 days.

A home on Dow Rd SOLD for $129,500, which is the lowest sales price. 217 S Fort Fisher Blvd SOLD for $1,600,000, which is the highest sales price.

14 Condos have SOLD in Kure Beach in 2013, and 13 home sites have SOLD.

This week I would like to send a BIG CONGRATS to...

CONGRATS to The Lancaster’s for their sale this past week in Carolina Beach Ave S, and their purchase in Tidalwalk.

CONGRATS to The Michele’s for their sale at 205 North Carolina Ave in Carolina Beach.

CONGRATS to Virginia Price for her sale at 240 Seawatch Way in Kure Beach.

CONGARTS to The DiQuatro’s for their sale at 177 Seawatch Way in Kure Beach.

CONGRATS to Jon Rimer for his sale at 1405 Bowfin Lane in Carolina Beach.

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.

Great home in coastal Carolina in Carolina Beach North Carolina for sale $389,000

== Hot Deals - Click here to see all Carolina Beach NC Homes for Sale == !!

Call for a showing....910-458-9119, or visit www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com -- 920 Salt Water Ln is the perfect beach home, with the perfect floor plan. There are 4 bedroom, and 3.5 baths. An open & bright floor plan with lots of windows provides for a beautiful ambiance. A great kitchen layout. It has lots of counter space and cabinets. It overlooks the dining area & the main living space. There is a tiled gas fireplace. The top floor has three bedrooms. The master has double sinks, a tiled shower and jetted tub. There is a private balcony off the master bedroom. The laundry area is adjacent to the top level bedrooms for easy access. The ground floor is all porcelain tile. It's spacious and makes a great guest suite too. So many extra's adding instant value: Water softener system, central vac, attic storage. Privacy fence, large shed, garage, outdoor shower, irrigation system, storm shutters. Three porches and a rear patio. Walk to beach or farmer's market -- or the neighborhood pool, tennis court, play ground or clubhouse.

To view the property photos - visit http://www.listingsmagic.com/66795

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.

Provided by Justin Donaton

Buying a home in Wilmington NC

Which do you think matters more when waiting for the right time to buy a home? Is it securing a low purchase price, or locking in a great financing rate?

Most buyers become focused on purchase price when they’re considering whether or not to buy. The question you often hear is the same: “Has the market bottomed out yet?” The idea of getting “the best deal” on a home is paramount to these price shoppers, and indeed for cash buyers, this may be the primary concern.

While negotiating a great price is an important part of the equation, the value of securing great financing terms cannot be overstated. The inherent risk in waiting for the market to hit bottom is that you’ll also miss out on the best interest rates available.

Imagine, for example, you’re waiting for homes to drop an additional X% in value. While you’re waiting, mortgage rates rise Y%. Sure, you might secure the home at a better purchase price, but what you’ll pay over the life of the loan will be significantly higher than buying when the market was more expensive (but rates were lower).

Perhaps the most punishing part of missing great financing is the net impact on your monthly payment. Even a 1% increase in your mortgage rate can end up costing as much as a brutal 10% increase in your monthly payment.

Buying a home is not like buying a nice coffee table. Price is not the sole concern. Given the complexities of price, property taxes, financing terms, and the larger tax implications of home ownership, it truly pays to consult with an agent who can help you weigh the pros and cons and help you make the right move.

I’m always happy to work with you to navigate the market, negotiate price, and put you in touch with mortgage professionals who will help you get the best rate possible. Contact me today and I can help you explore your options:

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

Take a look at some beach homes in Wilmington NC, click here

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Provided by Justin Donaton

Wilmington Home Referrals

Usually when agents start talking about referrals, people assume they’re hunting for new listings or more buyers to represent. This isn’t one of those posts!

In fact, I wish more people would come to me looking for referrals in the community. A good real estate agent knows people in the community you can trust, and I’m always happy to provide the connection.

If you think about it, agents pretty much interact with all of the people dedicated to protecting, improving, or maintaining your biggest asset: Your home. Whether it’s a local insurance agent, an honest contractor, or a crack crew of yard and maintenance people, agents are great sources of “who you should know.” (We’re also reliable sources of locals-only community info!)

It’s too bad that agents are often involved only in the sale or purchase of a house. I prefer to think of myself as a lifetime consultant to my clients, and providing the names of people I would stake my reputation on is simply a part of my ethical obligation to serve.

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

Take a look at some beach homes in Wilmington NC, 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

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Provided by Justin Donaton

Staging homes in Wilmington North Carolina

“Green” home staging can mean a variety of things, but one emphasis is on creating a “green story” for prospective buyers.

With green home staging, companies usually try to reuse or integrate as much of the seller's original furniture as possible. In instances where new pieces are needed, green stagers will often reuse furniture from their own collection, or select pieces which are on consignment from local shops.

This can actually save a seller a fair amount of money in the staging process. A green staging company will also be sure to recycle all packaging associated with new furnishings used to stage the home.

In terms of paint and carpeting, green stagers will recommend eco-friendly replacements. One of the advantages of making green replacements is a home is the added selling point an agent can use with prospective buyers. Consider, for example, a couple looking to raise their first child in a new home. It's not hard to imagine how fresh, non-toxic, environmentally friendly paints and flooring might favorably improve their view of the listing.

In addition to cosmetic recommendations, green stagers are specialists in pointing out improvements a seller might consider to both improve the energy efficiency of the home as well as further the green story for potential buyers. Air filters, weather stripping, and programmable thermostats are just a few details green home stagers often recommend.

What do you think? Can green staging matter? Do you think green staging ever presents an edge over traditional staging approaches?

(By the way... If you’re interested in green staging, I’d be happy to help you research the option for selling your home. Contact me today for more information:

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

Take a look at some beach homes in Wilmington NC, 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

Provided by Justin Donaton