Handy Tax Deduction App: Milebug - Wilmington NC Homes for Sale.

Spend much time in your car for business? That's a rhetorical question for most real estate agents I know. Agents are some of the most mobile people I know. The miles can really add up, and when it comes tax time it’s important to get that accurate deduction! If you’ve recently completed your own taxes and have vowed not to let mileage slip away next year, read on!

If you're still tracking your data in a little spiral notebook, this year might be the right time to upgrade to a more mobile solution: Milebug.

Milebug lets you easily log mileage for tax purposes. Check out some of the features:

• Use the Mileage Tracker for multiple businesses and multiple vehicles with a simple choice
• Setup frequent destinations and purposes for easy use later
• Choose either kilometers or miles
• Define custom rates for business, charity, medical and other
• Watch your deductions add up with each addition to your tip log
• Email HTML and Excel-friendly reports to your home computer

MileBug mileage tracker for iPhone/iPod Touch, Nokia or Android OS makes it easy to keep records for those who are always on the go, or who just want a central, simple place to keep track of their expenses and mileage.

Learn more about Milebug and download the app.:

http://milebug.com/

I hope you find this helpful! I’d love to log a few miles right now showing you some of my newest listings. Why not drop me a line?

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

I list and sell homes in Wilmington NC. I specialize in the beach towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

Homes for sale near Ft Fisher Kure Beach

Ft Fisher is a historic area just south of Wilmington. It has amazing history, and offers one of the prettiest beaches around.

There is 'The Cove' which offers a noce white sandy beach. You can also visit the Ft Fisher Recreation area for miles of private beaches and great wildlife.

Just up the road you will find beautiful homes for sale in Kure Beach near Ft Fisher.

Shopping and dining can be found in neighoring Carolina Beach, as well as some more affordable homes for sale at the beach!

If you would like more information on homes for sale near Ft Fisher in Kure Beach, please contact Coastwalk Real Estate at 910-458-9119

Provided by Justin Donaton

Recharge with Easy Office Exercises

Unlike many office workers, real estate professionals like myself have greater opportunities to be active during the work day. But that doesn't mean that long hours behind the desk are out of the picture.

To rejuvenate and refocus, it's important to break up long, sedentary periods with activity. A lot of my clients spend time in offices or in sedentary work environments, which as we know, can be hazardous to your health.

Next time you're putting in hours behind your computer screen, set yourself a reminder to get up and perform some simple exercises to get the blood flowing. Not only will your stooped shoulders and numb butt thank you, but you'll probably find that the conscious act of scheduling breaks will help improve your focus.

Here are six YouTube videos to guide you through a desk-exercise routine:

Simple Physical Therapy at Your Desk:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y8B3FYrUJ4

4 Minute Neck & Shoulder Stretch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLPfP1oRJFM

Chair Yoga Leg Stretch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CVBYQYtPAc

Exercise at Your Desk:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1ror3hSR6M

Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRl5hiM9VYI

10 Minutes of Chair Yoga:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bphIjilhH0g

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

I list and sell homes in Wilmington NC. I specialize in the beach towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

Tips for Choosing a Reputable Remodeling Contractor

With the number of foreclosed or bank-owned properties floating around out there, I often speak with folks who are preparing to embark on a renovation project.

Unfortunately, with a rise in remodeling comes a flood of disreputable contractors looking to cash in. I do my best to protect people by providing referrals to reputable contractors, but there are plenty of people out there I don’t get a chance to talk to.

If you know someone who is about to undertake a major renovation project, I urge you to share this excellent article published by the Federal Trade Commission, "Home Sweet Home Improvement." It includes a PDF guide your friends and family will find helpful.

The guide covers:

• The types of home improvement specialists
• How disreputable contractors operate
• Questions to ask contractors
• How to check references
• Understanding payment options
• The "Home Improvement" loan scam
• ...and several other useful points

Here’s the link to the article on the FTC website:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro20.shtm

Also, you can download the PDF file directly here:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro20.pdf

 Do you need a referral to a contractor or two? Are you in the market for a property to fix-up and call your own (or use as an investment property)? I’d be happy to help. Give me a call or shoot me a message today: 

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

I list and sell homes in Wilmington NC. I specialize in the beach towns of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.

Provided by Justin Donaton

Carolina Beach NC Real Estate Agent

Lots of people I talk to these days are looking to start new business ventures or find more fulfilling jobs.

As a real estate agent, I definitely understand the desire for independence and to do something you love. It can be hard to pursue success in a new venture, though. I’ve often wondered what stands in the way of our desire and our ability to achieve the success. Well, recently I found a little insight into this question.

In Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman's book, "The Extraordinary Leader: Turning good managers into great leaders," researchers identified five "fatal flaws" which were effectively "success killers." In contrast to areas where professionals had "allowable weaknesses" (i.e. deficiencies in skills which could be avoided or overshadowed by other strengths), these five weaknesses were considered absolutely toxic to a successful career. The flaws included:

1. Lack of initiative

2. Lack of accountability

3. Lack of openness to new or different ideas

4. Lack of core interpersonal skills or competencies

5. Inability to learn from mistakes

It's interesting to note that these five flaws are generally organized around inactivity as a result of FEAR. For example:

1. Lack of initiative = fear of making a wrong decision (fear of mistakes)
2. Lack of accountability = fear we'll have to face our own laziness or inactivity
3. Lack of openness to new ideas = fear we won't be able to adapt, or we're being "left behind"
4. Lack of core interpersonal skills = fear of social interaction, fear of low self-esteem
5. Inability to learn from mistakes = fear of change

To overcome these fears, we have to transform them into hope. Understanding that growth comes from adversity, it helps to frame our fears as undernourished hope for change and prosperity. "Maybe I'll get it wrong," needs to become "What happens if I get it right?"

If you’ve found yourself hesitating out of fear, perhaps this will shed a little light on your own resistance!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

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.

Provided by Justin Donaton

Carolina and Kure Beach Market Report

I want to wish you and your family a Happy Summer! I also want to thank all of our service men and woman for their commitments, and their sacrifices. This is why we celebrate Memorial Day!

This week I wanted to share a summary of real estate activity across the island so far in 2013 (as of 5/20/13). If you would like more detailed information, please just call or email me anytime!

Carolina Beach - Number of Homes & Condos for Sale: 276

Carolina Beach - Number of Lots for Sale: 62

Kure Beach - Number of Homes & Condos for Sale: 94

Kure Beach - Number of Lots for Sale: 33

Carolina Beach - Home & Condos that SOLD this year: 99

Carolina Beach - Home & Condos that SOLD (during the same period in 2012): 95

Carolina Beach - Average Sq Ft price of Homes that SOLD this year: $181.00

Carolina Beach - Average Sq Ft price of Homes that SOLD this year: $180.00

Kure Beach - Home & Condos that SOLD this year: 23

Kure Beach - Home & Condos that SOLD (during the same period in 2012): 32

Kure Beach - Average Sq Ft price of Homes that SOLD this year: $195.00

Kure Beach - Average Sq Ft price of Homes that SOLD (during the same period in 2012): $200.00

Carolina Beach - Land / Lots that SOLD this year: 20

Carolina Beach – Land / Lots that SOLD (during the same period in 2012): 33

Kure Beach - Land / Lots that SOLD this year: 4

Kure Beach - Land / Lots that SOLD (during the same period in 2012): 4

Pleasure Island - Highest Price Home to Sell: $1,600.000.00,  217 S Fort Fisher Blvd, sold by Coastwalk on 4/8/13.

Pleasure Island - Lowest Price Home to Sell: $70,000.00, 222 Carolina Beach Ave N, #213.

Office Sales - Company with the most # of sales transactions on the island: Coastwalk Real Estate

Office Sales - Company with the highest dollar volume in sales on the island: Coastwalk Real Estate

Over the past 60 days, we have worked with Buyers from the following areas: Wilmington, Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Winston- Salem, High Point, Charlotte, Atlanta, Northern Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Long Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Arizona, California, Washington State, Canada, China

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.

Provided by Justin Donaton

Wilmington NC Real Estate Report for 2013

1st Quarter 2013 Local MLS Market Analysis

When analyzing six major zip codes in our region - 28403, 28405, 28409, 28411, 28412 and 28451 - an average of the zip codes for the first quarter of 2013 shows that:

• Our average sales price has increased by 7.0% from 1st  Quarter 2012
• Of the 713 sellers in 1st Quarter - 26.9% paid some sort of concession toward the purchase of the house.
• Our list to sales price ratio for 1st Quarter is 96.55%, an increase from 95.6% for 1st Quarter 2012.
• The average list price of the sold properties is $234,489 and is up 6% from 1st Quarter 2012.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 1st Quarter was 126 days, compared to 169 days for 1st Quarter 2012.

The median sold price of $176,500 for 1st Quarter has increased 3.8% from 1st Quarter 2012.

Post provided by Justin Donaton

Carolina Beach NC Real Estate Report

I hope you are doing great! Last week we summarized the sales in Kure Beach so far in 2013. This week, I wanted to share a summary of Carolina Beach real estate sales.  

Year-to-date on MLS (April 28th, 2013), there have been 107 properties to have SOLD in Carolina Beach. 90 of these are homes or condos, and 17 are home sites. This compares to 110 properties to have SOLD during the same period on 2012, 87 of which were homes or condos, and 23 being home sites.

In 2012, the average price per square foot for homes that SOLD was $192, compared to $179 in the same period for 2013.

Currently there are 22 homes and condos in Carolina Beach that are PENDING, and on PENDING land sale.

Currently there are 274 homes and condos for sale in Carolina Beach, and 68 lots for sale.

Here are some recent home sales in Carolina Beach:

605 Tennessee Ave – $412,500 - This is a new home built by Ocean Grove Cottages. It has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a coastal design both inside and out. It measures at 2,129 sq feet. It is located about 6 blocks from the beach. It was purchased by a family from Raleigh NC.

1307 Pinfish Lane – $400,000 - This is a new home built by Ocean Grove Cottages. It too has 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It offers covered parking and an open living area. This home was purchased by a buyer from Seattle Washington.

1517 Bowfin Lane - $330,000 – This is a nice duplex located on Bowfin Lane. It did not provide an ocean view, but is just a short walk to the beach. It had real nice wood floors in the living area. The kitchen was open and had a kitchen island – great for entertaining. The buyers of tis home are a local family.

202 Texas Ave #1 - $296,000 – This town home has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and just over 1,700 sq feet. It provided ocean views. There was a garage and lots of deck space.

200 S 5^th Ave - $260,000 – An older cottage in the residential area of Carolina Beach. Needed some TLC, but a great location and a super home!

308 N 8^th St - $239,900 – This is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath patio home located in a residential area of Carolina Beach. Hop on your bike and you are minutes to the State Park, and the Boardwalk!

This is just a sampling of the homes we have SOLD this year. Coastwalk Real Estate continues to shine as the leading seller of homes in Carolina Beach!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

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.

Provided by Justin Donaton

Kure Beach Home Sales

Year-to-date on MLS (April 21^st, 2013), there have been 23 properties to have SOLD in Kure Beach. 21 of these are homes or condos, and two are home sites. This compares to 24 properties to have SOLD during the same period on 2012, 20 of which were homes or condos, and 4 being home sites.

Here are some recent home sales in Kure Beach:

217 S Fort Fisher Blvd – Sales Price $1,600,000 – This is a large beach home south of the Pier. It has super views and is very nice inside. Lots of room to spread out, including a 3BR guest suite. Custom built and well maintained. The buyer of this home is from oversees (Asia) and will be using it as a second home and investment property.

503 Seahorse Place – Sales Price $660,000 – This is a nice beach home in Seawatch. It was built in 2005. It has some ocean views, and lots of nice touches inside. There is an elevator, a gourmet kitchen, and lots of nice features inside. This home was purchased by a family from the Piedmont area of North Carolina

197 Seawatch Way – Sales Price $475,000 – 197 Seawatch Way was one of the original home built in Seawatch. It is located on a high bluff, has nice deck space, and was well cared for. There is no garage and most of the finishes inside were original. Great potential on this one! The buyers of this home are from the Northeast.

404 K Ave – Sales Price $ 439,000 – 404 K Ave was a new home located up the street from the Pier. It measures just over 2,300 sq. ft and has 4 bedrooms. This was purchased as a beach home for a family in Chapel Hill.

606 S 3^rd Ave – Sales Price $282,000 – 606 S 3^rd is a neat property. It was originally one of the barracks from the Ft. Fisher Recreation area…it was moved to this location and an addition was built-on. Definitely needs some TLC, but some great character and a super location.

1100 S Fort Fisher Blvd #202 – Sales Price $241,000 – We love Ocean Dunes! This is a super 2 bedroom / 2 bath condo in Ocean Dunes. Ocean Dunes has resort style amenities including several pools, and indoor pool, tennis, basketball and a nautilus.

This is just a sampling of the homes we have SOLD this year. Coastwalk Real Estate continues to shine as the leading seller of homes in Kure Beach!

Next week I’ll provide a recap of the Carolina Beach market, and provide more details on the homes that have SOLD in CB.

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

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.

Have you ever thought how useful Pinterest might be for imagining your dream home? My clients have used it in surprising and exciting ways.

Pinteresting Ways to Inspire Your Home Ownership Dream

What’s with Pinterest? Is it just one more social network you don’t have time for, or could it be a powerful, fun tool in your life? When it comes to the dream of home ownership, many of my clients have found it super helpful.

Here are X ways my clients and friends have been using this rapidly growing social network to “pin” their dreams:

1. It helps you track what you like about homes. Like a scrapbook, Pinterest is a great way to keep track of houses, places, and views that remind you what you like when you’re home hunting. Snap with a smart phone and pin with the app and just like that, you have a record.

2. It keeps a conversation open with friends, spouses, family, and even your real estate agent. I’ve heard of husband and wife teams using Pinterest boards to share what they want in a home and get feedback from others. It’s even useful at the outset of the home hunt, when I ask clients what sort of homes they love. No need to describe it! I can quickly browse their shared boards.

3. It keeps renovation project ideas on the radar. Clever ideas, killer style, gardening go-tos, luxury lifestyle touches, and awesome accessories can be gathered for when the time comes to make those rewarding upgrades.

4. Finally, it inspires you to save. For a lot of first-time buyers, the willpower to save for a down payment can quickly wane when the number seems so large. Pinterest boards are a great way to help boost flagging motivation along the way. Those images can get you excited about your future!

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

Get my Tweets, here is my Twitter account

How are you using Pinterest? Do you have a board for your next dream home? I’d love to see it! Share it with me and get in touch today: