KURE BEACH TOWN NEWS – April 12, 2012

· Go to the Town’s website www.townofkurebeach.org for meetings, info & news

· Also, don’t forget to join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kurebeachnc

· Visit our Business Corner at the bottom of this email for great deals from KB businesses

· For more events: Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/calendar.asp

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR)  recently released a report on investment and vacation homes, with the headline “Investment and Vacation Home Sales Surge in 2011”

This week I wanted to share with you some highlights of these findings:

NAR’s 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, covering existing- and new-home transactions in 2011, shows investment-home sales surged an extraordinary 64.5 percent to 1.23 million last year from 749,000 in 2010. Vacation-home sales rose 7.0 percent to 502,000 in 2011 from 469,000 in 2010.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said investors with cash took advantage of market conditions in 2011. “During the past year investors have been swooping into the market to take advantage of bargain home prices,” he said. “Rising rental income easily beat cash sitting in banks as an added inducement. In addition, 41 percent of investment buyers purchased more than one property.”

-          All-cash purchases have become fairly common in the investment- and vacation-home market during recent years: 49 percent of investment buyers paid cash in 2011, as did 42 percent of vacation-home buyers. Half of all investment home purchases in 2011 were distressed homes, as were 39 percent of vacation homes.

-          “Clearly we’re looking at investors with financial resources who see real estate as a good investment and who aren’t hesitant to use cash,” Yun said.

-          Investment-home buyers in 2011 had a median age of 50, earned $86,100 and bought a home that was relatively close to their primary residence – a median distance of 25 miles, although 30 percent were more than 100 miles away.

-          The typical vacation-home buyer was 50 years old, had a median household income of $88,600 and purchased a property that was a median distance of 305 miles from the primary residence; 35 percent of vacation homes were within 100 miles and 37 percent were more than 500 miles. Buyers plan to own their recreational property for a median of 10 years.

-          Lifestyle factors have consistently been the primary motivation for vacation-home buyers, while the desire for rental income drives investment purchases. Vacation homes purchased last year were more likely to be in suburban or rural areas; investment homes were concentrated in suburban locations.

-          Eighty-two percent of vacation-home buyers said the primary reason for buying was to use the property themselves for vacations, or as a family retreat. Thirty percent plan to use the property as a primary residence in the future, and only 22 percent plan to rent to others.

-          Sixteen percent of vacation buyers and 14 percent of investment buyers purchased the property for a family member, friend or relative to use. In many cases the home is intended for a son or daughter to use while attending school.

-          Forty-two percent of vacation homes purchased last year were in the South, 30 percent in the West, 15 percent in the Northeast and 12 percent in the Midwest; 1 percent were located outside of the U.S.

-          Forty-four percent of investment properties were in the South, 23 percent in the West, 17 percent in the Midwest and 15 percent in the Northeast.

-          Eight out of 10 second-home buyers said it was a good time to buy. Nearly half of investment buyers said they were likely to purchase another property within two years, as did one-third of vacation-home buyers.

 “Given that the number of people who are in their 40s is somewhat larger than the 50-somethings, the long-term demographic demand for purchasing vacation homes is favorable because these younger households are likely to enter the market as their desire for these kinds of properties grows, and individual circumstances allow,” Yun said.

NAR’s analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows there are 8.0 million vacation homes and 42.8 million investment units in the U.S., compared with 75.3 million owner-occupied homes.

NAR’s 2012 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, conducted in March 2012, includes answers from 2,241 usable responses about home purchases during 2011. The survey controlled for age and income, based on information from the larger 2011 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, to limit any biases in the characteristics of respondents.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Super beach home in Carolina Beach - MInutes from Wrightsville Beach real estate and Wilmington homes for sale. Check out this beach home offered by Coastwalk Real Esate serving Pleasure Island!

CONTACT COASTWALK REAL ESTATE FOR A SHOWING -- RIGHT NOW!!! Enjoy coastal living at its finest from this beautiful townhome built by premier builder, Greg Stier. Unit offers beautiful ocean views, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and an elevator. Prime location with beach access just down the street. 1st level has garage, large playroom which could be 4th BR, full bath & laundry area. Main level has spacious great room with gas log fireplace, kitchen with barstool counter, large dining area, powder room & access to front & back decks. Solid wood doors, beadboard, crown molding, recessed lighting, granite counters. Top level features master suite & bath, 2 more bedrooms with Jack & Jill bath, plus access to front deck with ocean views. A unique feature of this beautiful townhome is the exterior spiral staircase leading to the main level deck. This home would make an awesome permanent residence, weekend getaway or income producing property!

To view the property photos - visit http://www.listingsmagic.com/43588

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.

Just in time for summer, here are great homes for sale in Wrightsville Beach, NC

Click here to see homes for sale in Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a beautoful island located minutes from Wilmington NC. It has beautiful beaches, great dining and lots of homes to buy or rent.

Home prices in Wrightsville Beach range from about $300,000 to several million dollars.

There are inland homes, homes on the waterway, sound and of course...ocean front homes in Wrightsville Beach.

Wrightsville Beach is located about 15 minutes from UNCW, 15 minutes from the airport, and 25 minutes from downtown Wilmington.

Other popular Wilmington beaches include Carolina Beach and Kure Beach.

If you would like more info on Wrightsville Beach real estate, homes for sale in Wilmington or anything else, please let us know. We'll tell you the good shopping spots, restaurants and everything else.

Call 910-458-9119

Coastwalk Real Estate

I hope you are having a great week. We’re just about in April, and if you are thinking of selling your home this year, now is the time to get started!  Please call my cell at 910-352-0998. My clients homes are selling, and for good prices!

The first three months of 2012 have been great for the real estate market. Buyers have flocked to the beach (and Wilmington), and the activity is very strong right now.

Here is a summary of sales activity year-to-date.

In Carolina Beach there have been 58 total sales as of 3/24/2012. Of these 20 are condos, 25 are homes, and 13 are home sites. This compares to 63 total sales for the same period in 2011; 26 condos, 21homes, and 16 home sites.

The average sales price for single family homes in 2012 is $353,960.00, compared to $283,620.00 for 2011.

Currently there are 373 properties for sale in Carolina Beach, 261 homes and condos, and 112 home sites. Inventory is lower than it was in 2011.

In Kure Beach there have been 14 total sales year-to-date. Of these 11 are homes or condos, and 3 are home sites. This compares to 16 in 2011, 13 homes or condos, and 3 home sites for the same period in 2011.

I am happy to report that Coastwalk Real Estate was the listing firm on 7 of the 14 sales in Kure Beach.

Currently there are 145 properties for sale in Kure Beach, 101 of these are homes or condos, and 44 are home sites.  Inventory in Kure Beach is also lower than it has been in the past.

In Wilmington there has been 463 total sales year-to-date. Of these 428 are homes or condos, and 35 are home sites. This compares to 379 homes and condos, and 29 home sites for the same period on 2011.

Here is a chart of January to February 2012 sales, along with February 2011 vs 2012 sales. This chart is courtesy of The Wilmington Association of REALTORS:

 Coastwalk Real Estate’s main office (103 S Lake Park Blvd) was the leading seller of beach property (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach & Wrightsville) for 2011.  Our local (beach) market expertise shines.

If you are looking to buy or sell, your timing could not be better. Please call me today at 910-352-0998 to discuss your real estate objectives in more detail.

Expect Results:

Your Real Estate Market Report is provided by Justin Donaton of Coastwalk Real Estate. Local data provided is courtesy of the Wilmington Association of REALTORS MLS. 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 been the #1 Agent on Pleasure Island since 2006. 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. Please visit:  www.CoastwalkRealEstate.com for more info.

Brain Teaser Answer:

That allows the clock to only watch the last digit of time.  For example, you have the alarm clock set for 5:30 – the snooze alarm will sound when the last digit is nine.  If they made it 10 minutes the alarm would sound immediately or the clock would need more circuitry.

The first three months of 2012 have been great for the real estate market. Buyers have flocked to the beach (and Wilmington), and the activity is very strong right now.

Here is a summary of sales activity year-to-date.

In Carolina Beach there have been 58 total sales as of 3/24/2012. Of these 20 are condos, 25 are homes, and 13 are home sites. This compares to 63 total sales for the same period in 2011; 26 condos, 21homes, and 16 home sites.

The average sales price for single family homes in 2012 is $353,960.00, compared to $283,620.00 for 2011.

Currently there are 373 properties for sale in Carolina Beach, 261 homes and condos, and 112 home sites. Inventory is lower than it was in 2011.

In Kure Beach there have been 14 total sales year-to-date. Of these 11 are homes or condos, and 3 are home sites. This compares to 16 in 2011, 13 homes or condos, and 3 home sites for the same period in 2011.

I am happy to report that Coastwalk Real Estate was the listing firm on 7 of the 14 sales in Kure Beach.

Currently there are 145 properties for sale in Kure Beach, 101 of these are homes or condos, and 44 are home sites.  Inventory in Kure Beach is also lower than it has been in the past.

In Wilmington there has been 463 total sales year-to-date. Of these 428 are homes or condos, and 35 are home sites. This compares to 379 homes and condos, and 29 home sites for the same period on 2011.

Coastwalk Real Estate’s main office (103 S Lake Park Blvd) was the leading seller of beach property (Carolina Beach, Kure Beach & Wrightsville) for 2011.  We also sell a ton of homes in Wilmington, Leland, Ogden and Topsail

If you are looking to buy or sell, your timing could not be better. Please call me today at 910-352-0998 to discuss your real estate objectives in more detail.

Recent Island Sales (2012)

703 Ocean Blvd – SOLD

1412 Bonito Ln – SOLD

401 Alabama Ave #1 – SOLD

1100 S Fort Fisher Blvd #505 – SOLD

1517 Bowfin Ln #1 – SOLD

1233 Pinfish Ln - SOLD

504 N Fort Fisher Blvd (lot) - SOLD

502 N Fort Fisher Blvd (lot) - SOLD

511 N Fort Fisher Blvd (lot) - SOLD

1220 Swordfish Lane (lot) - SOLD

305 North Carolina Ave (lot) - SOLD

205 North Carolina Ave (lot) - SOLD

207 North Carolina Ave (lot) - SOLD

We also have a handful of homes & land PENDING / CONTINGENT around the beach in…

Seawatch, Kure Estates, Wilmington Beach, Fort Fisher Blvd, North End!

(it’s busy out there, so call me at 910-458-9119 if I can help)!

Four Healthy Habits Of

High-Energy People

Would you like more energy throughout the day?  The secret to beating fatigue is not in your next cup of coffee or energy drink.  For lasting energy, try these natural ways to pump yourself up:

#1:  Get some exercise.  I know the last thing you want to do when you have low energy is put on your sneakers and head out for a brisk walk.  But many scientific studies prove that walking, a light jog, or even lifting a few weights can boost your energy levels in no time flat.

#2:  Take a nap.  If you’re too tired to even exercise, you might need a nap.  Researchers at the University of California confirmed that a midday snooze can make you refreshed and more productive.  A short nap where you wake up before going into a deep sleep works best.  Set a timer so you don’t oversleep.

#3:  Take a break.  If you’re not able to lie down, try going outside for a few minutes.  On a clear day, the sun’s rays will improve your mood and make you more alert.  Even if it’s not sunny, taking several short breaks throughout the day refreshes your energy and helps your brain focus.

It’s also important to keep your heart healthy by scheduling down time on weekends and taking regular vacations.  A study of people who didn’t take vacations over a five-year period indicated a 32% greater risk of dying from coronary heart disease (over the next nine-year period) than those who got away at least once a year.

#4:  Chew some gum.  Did you know the cultural habit of chewing gum dates back to the ancient Greeks popping wads of tree resin in their mouths to improve their breath?  Recent studies indicate that chewing gum improves mental performance because it increases blood flow to the brain.  Chew sugar-free gum to avoid a mid-afternoon crash.

     For optimum performance, build all four of these habits into your lifestyle.  You’ll be more productive at work and have more energy to do active things with loved ones and friends.