Thank you for inquiring about the Cape Fear Region! We look forward to assisting you in any way we can. Our area is a pleasant mix of the luxuries and conveniences of an urban city and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of a small beach town. The many beaches and waterways offer endless recreational possibilities in the spring and summer months, while downtown and the riverfront are rich with history and culture. The Fort Fisher Historic site is a fun place to visit and the Carolina Beach State Park offers a close-by getaway for the nature lover. The area’s diverse locations and temperate climate have caused it to be the center of a growing film industry.

The Beaches
The beaches here are some of the cleanest and widest on the East Coast, making them highly appealing to the tourists, while the year round population enjoys all the amenities of coastal living while still being within driving distance of a city. The closest beach to Wilmington is Wrightsville Beach, a small community of just over 3,000 residents. The town is a 5 mile long island that begins on the east side of a drawbridge that spans Banks Channel. Wrightsville Beach is home to one of the area’s prettiest beaches and many fine restaurants, as well as two piers.

Carolina and Kure Beach share an island with the Fort Fisher Civil War Historic Site. Carolina Beach is a unique little community with a relaxed atmosphere. There are amusement parks, charter boats for fishing, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Carolina Beach is also home to a state park that offers many nature trails and camping. Kure Beach is a hospitable small town where most accommodations are within walking distance of the fishing pier in the center of town. Fort Fisher offers a Civil War Museum and the North Carolina Aquarium, as well as four miles of undeveloped beach for four wheel driving.

Bald Head Island is a private community off the tip of Fort Fisher that is open for day trips. It is accessible only by passenger ferry and is home to “Old Baldy” the oldest lighthouse in the state.

Riverfront/Downtown
The riverfront served as the hub of Wilmington’s commerce through the early 20th century. Now it is the home to restaurants, retail shops, and boutiques. Riverfront Park runs from the Hilton down to the foot of Market Street. It offers a wonderful view of the battleship North Carolina and both bridges. With some 200 blocks, Wilmington’s downtown boasts one of the largest historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The styles of architecture range from Antebellum and Georgian styles to Queen Anne Style and Italianate styles. A number of homes are open for tours including the Latimer House and the Bellamy Mansion.

Golf
A steady influx of visiting golfers are frequenting the southern coast of North Carolina. For those people who have invested in vacation homes or are retiring to the Carolinas, our area offers a broad range of golf real estate opportunities and the proximity of golf courses to area beaches. For vacationing golfers, we have over 20 golf resorts concentrated in the Wilmington area and several golf vacation services that make it easy to plan a golf trip. North Carolina has long been recognized for outstanding courses by top designers. Three of the most dynamic new courses are the Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye courses at Landfall, a private development near Wrightsville Beach, the Tom Fazio course at Porter’s Neck Plantation, and the Gauntlet at St. James Plantation designed by P.B. Dye. You may tee off at Hampstead’s Olde Point Golf and Country Club, Belvedere Plantation Golf and Yacht Club, or Topsail Greens Golf Club.

Film
Dino De Laurentiis brought the movie “Firestarter” to the Wilmington area in 1983 and began Wilmington’s film industry. E.U.E. Screen Gems Studios is the largest full service studio lot outside of California. The area averages 25-30 film projects per year, infusing the local economy with an estimated annual $78 million in film-related revenues. In a 1995 survey, Wilmington not generated more film revenue than all U.S. cities (outside of L.A. and New York), it also did more business than 45 states. Movie Credits for the region include: “Dawson’s Creek”, Muppets from Space, Elmo in Grouchland, Virus, Black Dog, Bruno, I Know What You Did Last Summer, “Matlock”, The Crow, Sleeping with the Enemy, Betsy’s Wedding, Maximum Overdrive, and countless others.

Facts and Statistics

Miscellaneous Facts and Statistics for New Hanover County
Age Breakdown
Average Age = 36.1

0-9 years - 12.4%

10-17 years - 10.3%

18-29 years - 20.8%

30-39 years - 16.8%

40-49 years - 13.6%

50-64 years - 13.6%

65+ years - 12.5%

Household Characteristics
Married with Children - 22.1%

Married w/o Children - 30.0%

Single with children - 8.6%

Single w/o children - 39.4%

Population
State Population Density Rating - 98th Percentile

National Density Rating - 96th Percentile

Persons per square mile - 742

State Population Growth Ranking - 91st Percentile

National Growth Ranking - 92nd Percentile

Population Growth Rate - 3.0% Annualized over last 5 years

Climate

Precipitation Averages:
Average Precipitation in Inches
for New Hanover County
January - 3.9

February - 3.7

March - 3.9

April - 2.9

May - 4.4

June - 6.0

July - 8.1

August - 6.9

September - 5.0

October - 2.7

November - 3.1

December - 3.6

Area Schools

Local School Information

Enrollment Requirements:

· A child entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before October 16

· A valid birth certificate must be presented at time of registration.

· Each child entering kindergarten must have a physical examination, conducted by a certified health-care professional, including hearing and vision screening, and a complete medical history.

· The following immunizations are required by N.C. law before a child can enter school:

- 5 DPT shots (If the fourth dose is on or after the fourth birthday, a fifth dose is not required

- 4 polio immunizations

- 1 measles immunization

- 1 rubella immunization

- 1 mumps immunization

- 1HiB immunization

New Hanover County: 763-5431
New Hanover County emphasizes quality throughout the school system. They are the only school system to ever receive the coveted North Carolina Quality Leadership Foundation’s Malcolm Baldridge Award. Every high school offers advanced-placement and honors classes in core subjects. Clubs for sports, band and academics are offered in many schools throughout the county. New Hanover County has approximately 21,800 students and 1,500 teachers in the 23 elementary, 6 middle, and 4 high schools. There are three elementary magnet schools that focus on mathematics and technology. Year-round education is offered in five elementary schools and one middle school.

Brunswick County: 253-2900
Brunswick County Schools have approximately 10,000 students in the three high schools, three middle schools and seven elementary schools. In addition to the basic K-12 instructional program, Brunswick County schools have a comprehensive program of instructional services for the exceptional child, vocational education, remediation, and courses for the North Carolina Scholar.

Pender County: 259-2187
Pender County Schools have a population of over 6,300 students in the 12 schools. The system consists of five elementary, three middle, and two high schools as well as an alternative school for grades 7-10 and a year-round school for grades K-8. As with New Hanover County schools, the Pender system’s participation in the A+ Arts Program provides for the integration of the arts into the academic experience.

SAT Score Comparison

Private Schools
Amy Bradley (K-12) 763-4485

Cape Fear Academy (K-12) 791-0287

Friends School of Wilmington (6-8) 792-1811

HA Higgins Montessori School (pre-K-6) 392-7007

King’s Memorial Christian Academy (K-3) 799-8157

Myrtle Grove Christian School (K-8) 392-2067

New Horizons Elementary (K-5) 392-5209

Saint Mary’s School (1-8) 762-6517

Wilmington Academy Arts & Sciences (6-8) 392-6666

Wilmington Christian Academy (K-12) 791-4248

Colleges:

North Carolina boasts one of the nation’s finest university systems and Wilmington is home to some top-quality educational institutions.

Highly ranked University of North Carolina at Wilmington has more than 9600 students in 36 undergraduate degree and 20 postgraduate degree programs. The school sits on a beautiful wooded 650 acre campus on College Road. They boast a 16-1 student/teacher ratio. Consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the south, UNCW is a leader in marine science education and attracts students from all over the world. Only 56 % of the applicants are accepted. The school’s commitment to public education and involvement has led to development of a year-round public learning program called Pathways. Pathways includes travel and study abroad programs for both youths and adults as well as classroom sessions ranging from drawing and architectural history to astrology and conversational Japanese.

Cape Fear Community College, part of the NC community college system, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. They have 50 degree programs and current full time enrollment is approximately 4,500 students. About 23,000 people throughout the area are served in continuing education classes and other educational opportunities. Cape Fear has 207 full time employees and hundreds of part-time employees. The school offers college-transfer degrees as well as technical and skills-enhancing programs. The small business center provides free and small-fee assistance and seminars, and develops job-specific training for many local manufacturers.

Adult Education Level (for New Hanover County)
Non High School Grad 21.9%

High School Grad, no college 29%

Some College 28.0%

College Grad 15.3%

Post Grad Degree 5.9%

Employment Statistics

Largest Area Employers:

Applied Analytical Industries (500)

Bedford Fair Industries (483)

Carolina Power & Light (1200)

Corning Inc. (1700)

DuPont DeNemours & Co (1800)

General Electric Co. (2300)

International Paper (1320)

New Hanover Regional Medical Center (2850)

Pharmaceutical Product Development (350)

UNC-Wilmington (1044)

Employment Industries
Percentage of County’s Population

Admistrative Support - 13.3%

Farming/Fishing/Forestry - 1.3%

Laborer/Operator - 14.0%

Managerial - 11.9%

Professional - 14.2%

Sales - 15.1%

Service - 14.0%

Technician/Precision Craft - 16.1%

Income
State Income Ranking  - 83rd Percentile

National Income Ranking - 80th Percentile

Median Income - $36,443

Average Income homes w/children - $50,845

Local Special Events

Just a Few of the Special Events in the Area Include:
NC Jazz Festival - Held in late January at the Wilmington Hilton. This yearly event features world class jazz performers in an intimate cabaret setting.

NC Azalea Festival- Held in April, this is easily the largest event in town. The Azalea festival marks the beginning of the tourist season and features a downtown street fair, parade, and several musical performances from internationally known artists.

Piney Woods Cultural Heritage Festival- Labor Day weekend, at Hugh MacRae Park. This little festival is sponsored by the Arts Council of the Lower Cape Fear and is dedicated to the spirit of arts in Wilmington. It features live music, homemade crafts and food.

Riverfest-This large street fair is held each year in October. It features several live music stages as well as sailing regattas, food booths, homemade crafts and special events.

Festival of Trees- Held in late November at the Wilmington Hilton, this event benefits the Cape Fear Hospice. It features beautifully decorated Christmas trees for viewing as well as some events for the children.

Annual Holiday Flotilla- Held each December at Wrightsville Beach, the flotilla features a highly illuminated boat parade through the Intracoastal Waterway to celebrate the holiday season.

Newcomer's Phone Directory

The following numbers can help you get set up in your new town.

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance 341-4400 or 911

American Red Cross 762-2683

Cape Fear Memorial Hospital 452-8112

Coast Guard 256-3469

Emergency Management Service 341-4373

Fire Department 341-7846

Highway Patrol 395-3917

New Hanover Regional Med. Center 343-7000

Sheriff’s Department 341-4200

Wilmington Police 343-3600

Government:

New Hanover County 341.7184

Pender County 259-1200

Brunswick County 457-6614

City of Wilmington 341-7810

Carolina Beach Town Hall 458-2994

Wrightsville Bch Town Hall 256-7900

Surf City Town Hall 328-4131

Getting Hooked Up:

Animal Licensing (Hanover) 341-4197

Animal Licensing (Pender) 259-1349

Electricity 256-6161

Telephone 780-2355

Natural Gas 763-3306

Water and Sewer (Wilmington) 341-7806

Time Warner Cable 763-4638

Trash Collection (Wilmington) 341-7875

Waste Industries Hampstead 270-2200

Waste Management 799-5256

Schools:

Superintendent 343-1583

Brunswick County 457-5241

New Hanover County 763-5431

Pender County 259-2187

Brunswick Community College 754-6900

Cape Fear Community College 251-5100

UNC-Wilmington 962-3000

Transportation:

Airport 341-4333

Bus Station 762-6625

DMV 763-6752

Department of Transportation 251-5724

Ferry 458-3329

Transit Authority 343-0106

Miscellaneous Numbers (area code 910)
Coastwalk Real Estate 910-458-9119

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce 762-2611

Hampstead Chamber of Commerce 328-4722

Wrightsville Beach Chamber 395-2965

Pleasure Island Chamber 458-8434

New Hanover Board of Elections 341-4060

Pender Board of Elections 259-1220

Brunswick Board of Elections 253-2020

New Hanover Parks and Rec 341-7855

Pender Parks and Rec. 259-1200

Brunswick Parks and Rec. 457-6614

United Way 251-5020

Summary provided by Justin Donaton

Have you ever wondered exactly what all of these mobile devices are doing to us? As an agent, I’m almost always connected (it’s a part of client service!), but what’s the impact on our kids, families, and the role of true face-to-face time? (Ever gone out to dinner and watched a family spend the whole meal with their faces lit up by screens?)

If you’re at all concerned by these issues, you have to listen to this amazing interview on Fresh Air with Sherry Turkle, author of the new book “Alone Together

Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other.” Not only does she have fascinating insights into how texting and social media are shaping how we interact, but she also provides some interesting strategies for ensuring we maintain the crucial (human!) components of communication.

Some of the highlights from the interview cover:

        - Young children using digital devices  

        - The effect of Facebook on teen identity

        - Why we text

        - Why cyberbullying can feel easier than face-to-face bullying

One discussion I enjoyed in particular was how Turkle recommends a ritual for setting devices aside during family dinners. Essentially, this involves shutting the devices down and storing them in a basket away from the dinner table for the duration of the meal. When the complaints begin, Turkle advises explaining (not an exact quote): “Dinner is a time when the family can come together and be present with each other.”

Whether or not you check out the book, the interview itself is well worth the half hour or so it takes to listen to it. Take it with you to the gym on your iPod, or plug it in on your next commute. It might just help you better understand the mindset of the “mobile generation” and foster better communication all around.

Here’s the link to the interview:

http://www.npr.org/2012/10/18/163098594/in-constant-digital-contact-we-feel-alone-together

I’m as guilty as most when it comes to being connected. If you have any questions about buying or selling a home, get in touch! Please contact Coastwalk Real Estate at 910-458-9119

A delicate subject I sometimes have to approach with clients selling their home is the importance of steering clear of showings and open houses while prospective buyers are touring their home.

It can be touchy. After all, how do you kick someone out of their own house? Many buyers are anxious about the showing and open house process. They feel the need to hover in the wings, which I understand. There are several reasons why this is not the best idea.

Four Reasons Why Owners Sticking Around for a Showing/Open House is a Bad Idea:

1. I’ve had experiences where prospective buyers have actually passed on a showing once they’ve found out the current owners were home.

2. It’s important that buyers be able to visualize the home as "theirs already." They need to be able to imagine living in the house, which is pretty tough to do with the owners making a sandwich in the kitchen.

3. Presence of a seller makes the prospective buyer feel guilty for "judging" the home. If the buyer isn't given free range to evaluate the home, the doubt is enough to put them off the property entirely.

4. If all goes well, the buyer may want to stay for a time at the house and chat with the agent. This is a good sign (it means the buyer may be moving towards an offer), but with the seller present, it's all but impossible.

I try not to offend my clients when I ask them to understand these reasons. While I empathize with the nervousness that accompanies the sales process, my goal is the smooth sale of their home. A little space for the prospective buyers is an important ingredient.

Stress-free showings are just one part of my approach to marketing your home to sell. Get in touch and I’d gladly show you what else I can do to get you top dollar for your home:

Remember those days long, long ago when you could have one password for everything, and it was as simple as your kid’s name and birthday? (And you left it on a Post-It note stuck to your computer monitor?)

Well, those days are gone. Now you probably have a different password for almost every website you visit, and each of those sites has different rules for how long your password can be, and which characters you can use to make it.

A lot of time is wasted trying to remember (and then resetting) all of those forgotten passwords. Unfortunately, password security is vitally important. With bank accounts, medical information, and vital credit data just a username and password away from any computer, you absolutely must make strong passwords. Passwords aren’t guessed by human beings. They’re hacked by fast, sophisticated programs which can try millions of combinations almost instantly. (Did you know one of the most common passwords people use is actually... password?)

Here are two tools to help you create and remember strong passwords:

1. StrongPasswordGenerator.com - http://www.strongpasswordgenerator.com

This website uses JavaScript to automatically generate random passwords using length and character rules you can control. The passwords are generated right in your browser and are not tied or identified by your computer. You simply set the rules, click “Generate Strong Password” and the site gives you one you can copy/paste.

2. 1Password (https://agilebits.com/onepassword) & LastPass (http://www.lastpass.com)

1Password is an affordable software package that allows you to securely store and “automatically login” to websites using the passwords stored with your 1Password account. It works on iOS, Mac, and Android devices. It can also synchronize its database with Dropbox, meaning you can use 1Password securely on multiple computers. If you’re using Windows (or Mac, too), you should check out LastPass https://lastpass.com/index.php, which is free with an inexpensive premium option.

Protect yourself and save time!

By the way, you can also use these password tools to login and search for properties on our website!

Please visit www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com

Ready to buy your first home? Have a down payment ready to go? Before you apply for that mortgage, here’s something you should know about disclosing the source of your down payment.

Q: Part of my down payment was a gift from my parents. How will this impact my mortgage application?

A: It depends on the type of mortgage you’re applying for.

You should be prepared to explain your gift with documentation. While FHA loans typically will permit a down payment from a family source, your more conventional mortgage will expect at least 5% of the funds to have come from you.

One of the keys to ensuring this process goes smoothly is having documentation to back up your claim. Bank statements showing the source of the money (and when you received it) are a good place to start, along with a letter signed from your generous benefactor declaring the gift.

As a rule, you should be careful of any large deposits to your account (besides your regular pay).

I urge you to talk to a mortgage professional for complete details as they pertain to your specific situation. Need a referral to a qualified mortgage broker? I’d be glad to share with you the names of people I know and trust. Contact us today for a referral: Coastwalk Real Estate

910-458-9119

Provided by Justin Donaton

If you want an ocean front home in Wilmington NC, then here is a list of all oceanfront homes for sale in Wilmington: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/

Ocean front home can sleep 23 guests; 6 bedrooms plus bonus and rec rooms! 1003 Carolina Beach Ave S is offered fully furnished*$* so just bring your flip flips and beach toys! 3 oceanfront decks. Gorgeous kitchen with maple cabinets*$* granite counter tops*$* self closing cabinet drawers & center island with butcher block counter top. Open floor plan and two ocean front master suites. Great room with wet bar on second level & game room on top level. Private walkway to the beach with outdoor shower. Lots of extras to include tankless hot water system & propane powered generator with automatic transfer switch. Intercom system with security camera capability. Dual Heating & A/C system. Many handicap & wheelchair accessible features. Elevator with remote door opener on ground level & first level. Located on quiet one-way street. Close to downtown restaurants & shopping. Walk to the lake*$* the farmer's market and Britt's Donuts!

To view the property photos - visit http://www.listingsmagic.com/36053

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.