The Atlantic Ocean and the sandy beaches of Oak Island and Caswell Beach make
a perfect summer day, Take the ferry from Southport to Fort Fisher for a day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, visit the museums at Ocean Isle Beach, or spend an afternoon at Ingram
Planetarium at Sunset Beach, NC.  The Town of Oak Island, NC was formed in 1999 when the towns of Long Beach and Yaupon Beach, two of the three towns physically located on Oak Island, consolidated and took the name of the island for their town. Although the town retains a small-town atmosphere, the consolidation made Oak Island NC Homes the most populated incorporated town in Brunswick County. The city of Southport originally incorporated in 1792 as Smithville, its progressive citizens changed its name to Southport in 1887. The historic charm of this community will captivate you as you walk under a canopy of 200 year old live oak trees, or walk past majestic Victorian century homes which once belonged to river pilots or maybe even a pirate or two.

Taking a look this week on what’s trending with Real Estate on Truilia this past week.  The average price per square foot for Oak Island NC was $180, a decrease of 5.8% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Oak Island for Aug 10 to Oct 10 was $250,676 based on 18 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 9%, or $20,676, and the number of home sales decreased 77.2%. There are currently 671 resale and new homes in Oak Island as well as 9 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Oak Island NC was $338,598 for the week ending Apr 27, which represents an increase of 0.2%, or $619, compared to the prior week.  For Southport the average price per square foot was $120, a decrease of 11.1% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Southport NC for Aug 10 to Oct 10 was $145,000 based on 28 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 29.8%, or $61,500, and the number of home sales decreased 70.5%. There are currently 1,098 resale and new homes in Southport as well as 19 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Southport NC was $266,119 for the week ending Apr 27, which was unchanged compared to the prior week.

The “Good News” according to NRA   pending sales of existing U.S. homes rose a much stronger than expected 5.1 percent in March, reported on Thursday April 28, 2011. The National Association of Realtors Pending Home Sales Index was up at 94.1 from 89.5 in February. The index, which has risen for two months in a row, was at its highest since November 2010. Economists polled by Reuters ahead of the report were expecting pending home sales to rise by 1.5 percent. The association’s senior economist, Lawrence Yun, said the data show the downtrodden housing market is recovering without the benefit of government program that spurred gains last year. “The market is recovering on its own,” Yun said. “Modest near-term gains in existing-home sales are likely.”  You can read more about this at: http://realestateinsidernews.com/breaking-real-estate-news/nar-unexpected-march-pending-home-sales-increase/ .    With all the facts and news if you’re going to buy property at the beach the time and price is right in  Oak Island and Southport NC.     

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New Construction $375,000

A magical home that has been inspired by today's beach lifestyle. This gorgeous beach cottage is currently under construction and has a proposed completion date of June 1st. The location is second to none! You are surrounded by a natural setting while just a short walk to the beach & Tiki Bar. There are 3BRs and 3.5BAs. The master bedroom is 19x16 and provides a lavish master bath and large walk-in closet. In addition there is a 26 x 8 covered porch which provide super sunset views overlooking Seagrove. The living area boats a 25 x 14 great room, with an open kitchen, granite counters and super dining area -- perfect for today's beach lifestyle! There's a second 26 x 8 covered porch to enjoy ocean breezes. This home is full of bells and whistles, and an elevator can be added if desired. There is a metal roof, Therma Tru doors and Silverline windows by Anderson. Fireplace. The lattice-lined carport is great for boat storage. Large built-in storage shed. No HOA dues. So much more!

Contact Coastwalk Real Estate for more info!

It’s the Wright time to play in the sun!  Recharge in the surf on this breathtaking stretch of paradise along the North Carolina coast in Wrightsville Beach.  Where you can kayak to Masonboro Island, bike the loop, take a bird-watching tour or visit the new Airlie Butterfly House at nearby Airlie Gardens.  In addition here are just a few events coming up this week through May.  Starting with a little star-gazing  at the Coastal Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament in April or participate in the 22nd Annual River to Sea Bike Ride in May. See the sunrise over the surf or dine on fresh seafood that’s always in season. From a host of activities and beach shopping to the fun Mayfaire "Music on the Town" Concert Series just over the bridge in nearby Wilmington.  If you’ve visited Wrightsville beach you know just how close it is to Wilmington and there are many things to do to entertain everyone.

In Real Estate News the trend for Wrightsville Beach is and has been holding its own during Market Crunch.  In a recent article of the local Wilmington paper the Star News written by Shannan Bowen about property tax reassessment for the Coastal Beaches she said, “Wrightsville Beach is too difficult to predict.”   The reason is that it’s property values are holding their own.  To read the full article visit: http://www.istockanalyst.com/business/news/5049198.    According to the Average price per square foot for Wrightsville Beach NC was $497, an increase of 22.7% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Wrightsville Beach NC for Jan 11 to Mar 11 was $615,000 based on 15 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 3.4%, or $20,000, and the number of home sales decreased 21.1%. There are currently 200 resale and new homes in Wrightsville Beach on Trulia, as well as 5 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Wrightsville Beach NC was $1,115,875 for the week ending Apr 20, which represents an increase of 0.2%, or $2,157, compared to the prior week.

There’s no question that while the rest of the nation’s real estate industry slipped into near panic, locally, things at Wrightsville Beach held and improved.  In today’s market that’s impressive.  To me, the epicenter of where you want to be in real estate for this area is take the drawbridge to Wrightsville Beach and draw a concentric circle around it a mile to 3 miles out and that’s where you want to be, whether you’re on the beach or Landfall, Mayfaire or Airlie Road or Bradley Creek.  Plus you have the added bonus of being just minutes from downtown Wilmington.  Wrightsville Beach buyer is a sophisticated client who understands all the advantages this market provides a buyer, in essence, who understands Warren Buffett’s theory of when it’s time to buy.

YouTube Video for #2302-A, Click Here

Virtual Tour for 2302-A

Website for 2302-A

Visit Coastwalk Real Estate, online, Click Here!

Imagine having a place at the beach with all this...a tastefully designed three bedroom and two full bath condo. The inside has been completely remodeled. Let's start with the kitchen. The kitchen has gorgeous granite counters, custom light fixtures and beautiful cabinets. The living room has a nice built-in shelving area for great storage. It joins the living area which then opens-up to a great back porch. The porch is large and private...it feels like your own treehouse! Its a great place to drink a cup of coffee, or read a book and listen to the birds chirp! The bedrooms are stylishly designed as well, and both baths have granite vanities and custom cabinets. Another really special feature is that this condo in in an elevator building. There are two storage closets outside for you, along with covered parking and security lighting. You're just steps to the beach and the outdoor pool. Or, follow the path to the indoor pool, tennis courts, nautilus and clubhouse.

Contact Justin at Coastwalk Real Estate 910-352-0998

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Click Here for more pictures and info on Coastwalk Real Estate

2BR / 2BA Oceanfront, Super Views in one of the most popular communities in Kure Beach. Great location. Imagine waking up to a sunrise with a nice cup of coffee. Watch the dolphins swim and your family play at the beach! There are several pools, and indoor pool, nautilus, basketball courts, tennis, trails and more. Contact Justin at Coastwalk Real Estate for a showing!

Mortgage applications increased 5.3 percent the past week, with most of the increase attributed to a surge in applications for government loans. Government loan applications increased 17.6 percent.

“Purchase application volume jumped last week largely due to another sharp increase in applications for government loans,” said Michael Fratantoni, MBA’s Vice President of Research and Economics. “Borrowers were likely motivated to apply for loans before the scheduled increase in FHA insurance premiums.”

The seasonally adjusted purchase index rose by 10 percent, while applications for refinancing increased 2.7 percent from the previous week, MBA reports.

"Refinance activity increased somewhat, as rates dropped to their lowest level in a month towards the end of the week," Fratantoni said.

Source: “Mortgage Applications Rose 5.3% After Month-Long Decline,” HousingWire (April 20, 2011)

KURE BEACH TOWN HALL WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW, APRIL 22.

COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR IS CANCELED THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 23.

NOTICE OF COUNCIL WORK SESSION - WEDNESDAY, 4/27/11

At the April 14, 2011 Budget Work Session, the Town Council voted to schedule another budget work session for continuing the conversation on how to balance the budget. The work session will be held at Town Hall on Wednesday, April 27 at 10:00 am. All interested persons are encouraged to attend.

SURPLUS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE – JOHN DEERE GATOR

Kure Beach Ocean Rescue has a surplus 2004 John Deere Gator for sale. It has been used throughout the past six lifeguard seasons on the beach strand. The vehicle has a little rust and common wear and tear for a vehicle of its age. Bidding will start at $2,000, and the vehicle will be awarded to the highest bidder on May 5, 2011. Call 910-279-0460 for more information and to place a bid.

SPRING/SUMMER 2011 TENNIS CLASSES

If you wish to participate, please fill out the registration form and bring it to Town Hall along with your payment.

SPRING/SUMMER 2011 TENNIS CLASS SCHEDULE and REGISTRATION FORM.

PROPOSALS FOR OCEAN FRONT PARK DUE 4/26/11 4/28/11 @ 11:00 am

The Town of Kure Beach is accepting sealed proposals until Tuesday, April 26 (rescheduled) Thursday, April 28, 2011 by 11:00 am from contractors for furnishing the equipment, materials and construction of the Ocean Front Park. Copies of the proposal may be received by contacting Engineering Services at 919-662-7272. You may review the Request for Proposal on the Town’s website under “Town News.”

SAVE THE DATE: KURE BEACH 4^TH ANNUAL STREET FESTIVAL ON 4/30/11

Come on down for the Annual Street Festival to be held on Saturday, April 30, from 11:00 am until after dark. Please note that this year’s festival will be held at Joe Eakes Park. There’ll be some great bands and lively entertainment, delicious food, one of a kind arts & crafts for sale, a car show and activities for the kids, including two bounce castles and a huge, 18-foot inflatable slide. To top it all off, there will be fireworks on the beach after dark. So, bring your friends and family for a great time. Details are available on the Town’s website under the TOWN EVENTS tab. Commemorative t-shirts are for sale at Town Hall.

KURE BEACH COMMITTEE VACANCIES

The Town of Kure Beach is always looking for residents who would like to serve on Town committees. For a list of committees and member vacancies, access the Town’s website and view the list at the bottom of the calendar list on the homepage.