May 20, 2012

Featured Listings

6621 Alamosa Dr Wilmington, NC 28411
(MLS 436467)

Great Starter home with new laminate flooring in most areas, 1 year old garage door. Kitchen has large pantry, washer/Dryer hookup in garage. Fenced yard, patio. Breakfast bar and galley kitchen with dining area adjacent to kitchen. Refrigerator conveys. Nice curb appeal. Move right in nothing to do except make an offer. Nicely maintained. Minutes to the Village of Mayfaire, restaurants and Wrightsville Beach.

3 Bedroom – 2 Bath – 1,095 SF

Wilmington Real Estate News

Our market is still very active in this part of the country. Our labor market remains relatively strong and that continues to drive home sales up in this area. We are still experiencing a sellers market. However, at the end of 2005, the ratio of sale s price to listing price has been about 97.8%. Some areas are still experiencing multiple offer situations, especially in the $175,000 and under. The average prices are forecast to keep rising in 2006. Average prices in our area range from $206,300 to $287,400, depending on the county to reside in. New construction homes continue to be on the rise. In 2005 our appreciation rate was 19.2%. Appreciation in 2006 is expected to be around 12%. 2007 looks even brighter as sales will rise at a faster pace.

Mortgage rates are predicted to continue upward but are not expected to cross the 7% mark.

Our beach sales have slowed down a bit, but continue to be an active area of our coastal market.

Welcome to Wilmington and The Cape Fear Coast! From the conveniences of a thriving, growing city to the southern simplicity of a small town atmosphere, the Cape Fear Coast offers visitors, newcomers and residents alike an abundance of great things to do and see. Ranked 23rd in the book “100 best Small Art Towns in America”, This area features vast commercial, educational, medical, and cultural offerings. One can find gems galore such as a $2.5 billion film industry, numerous historical attractions and 31 miles of relaxing beaches.

Our market in Wilmington and its beaches continues to be one of the busiest of times. Wilmington continues to be a popular place for relocation. Some will refer to us as an “Everchanging Face.”

Southern New Hanover County is expected to expand outward from Monkey Junction to Carolina Beach. We may ultimately see a high-span bridge called the Southern Loop. When you ride through these areas you see a change each and every time. The prime movement is expected to be in the Northern part of New Hanover County and in Southern Pender. Driving this is the new bypass or mini Interstate 40 which recently opened. You can now travel from Porters Neck to Brunswick County. I-40 has an exit to Topsail and New Bern will brings you to the Highway 17 business district in 10 minutes. This by-pass is intended to help alleviate traffic flow down Highway 17.

One of the most exciting projects affecting our market is the Mayfaire Town Center. Construction continues and every day new restaurants and shops are opening. Military Cutoff is being expanded to 4 plus lanes. This Town Center is having a huge economic impact on our area and has increased the availability of public facilities for those in the Northern part of New Hanover County. Several new faces have moved in such as Hechts, Kirklands, Chico Kids,Banana Republic, O-2 Fitness, Stadium Cinema, Reeds, Linens and Things, Pier 1, Barnes and Noble, World Market, Starbucks, The Macaroni Grill, Artisan Market, Michael’s, Ann Taylor, Atlanta Bread Company, various restaurants and the list goes on.

With the stock market fluctuations, the local real estate market has seen a huge increase, especially the higher end. The forecast is an upswing in second and vacation homes. Many buyers are finding that real estate investments are still the best way to go this year. The time to aggressively build a real estate portfolio is here and in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach.

Featured Listings Ocean Front Kure Beach

1100 Sand Dollar Ct #1806 Kure Beach, NC 28449 (MLS 430656)

Furnished, Oceanfront condo,panoramic views from every room with wrap around deck. Walkways to the beach.

New Decking in Fall 2010. Great for year round living or as a rental.

3 queen sofa sleepers, 1 twin sleeper chair, 2 king beds, 2 twin beds. Each bedroom has its own bath.

Open floor plan, wet bar w/ice maker, wine rack. all appliances, trash compactor. There is a detached 2 car garage, stocked full of beach toys, chairs, etc. Capital assessment is $375 per month.

HOA in process of replacing decks repainting all of the units different pastel shades to give it a new updated look. Rental history available. 3 outdoor pools, indoor pool, tennis, rec center, fitness room, sauna, hot tub/spa.

Nice sunroom located off master with separate entrance also from deck. The master has a nice sitting area and great views. Elevator.

All electronics and furnishings convey.

Video tour on youtube- Owner will pay capital assessment fees thru end of 2010

Porters Neck in Wilmington North Carolina

ar126323384581881 Porters Neck in Wilmington North CarolinaFunny how the name “Porters Neck” just outside of Wilmington, North Carolina, conjures up different images, thoughts or an area to different people.

There is the “Porters Neck” area, Porters Neck Road, various small businesses …Porters Neck Hardware, Porters Neck Post Office, Porters Neck Golf Course, and of course the “Porters Neck Plantation and Country Club”

As a Realtor in this beautiful area of southeastern North Carolina, I have come to appreciate, notice and understand the true life style consumers and homeowners are looking for in this unique community of Porters Neck. Whether the climate, a job transfer, change of pace, retirement, or the beckoning call of some of the most beautiful beaches ar12645287563211 Porters Neck in Wilmington North Carolinaon the east coast, Porters Neck Plantation is a wonderous place to call home!

I recently had the pleasure of representing a retiring couple from the Cincinnati, Ohio area in the purchase of their new dream home. They had researched numerous areas, looked at many homes throughout the south, and had thought that this area would be the perfect spot. A multitude of reasons why they chose Porters Neck and the Wilmington area is….well, it’s Porters Neck Plantation.ar126452835312016 Porters Neck in Wilmington North Carolina

A little history is in order, Porters Neck Plantation was founded in 1989, and is tucked away in the northern section of New Hanover county in Wilmington, NC, along the Intracoastal Waterway. It offers it’s residents 650 plus acres of lush beauty, soft ocean breezes, thousands upon thousands of wild azaleas bursting with vibrant colors. AND, and some of the most beautiful homes and home sites in North Carolina, many of which have won numerous medals and awards for their excellence of design and construction.

Many of the residents came for the security of a planned gated community, or the highly rated Tom Fazio designed Par 72 golf course, or the private community boat ramp with access to the Atlantic Ocean, or walking trails with picnic areas, or for the tennis programs, or the exclusive equity membership features Porters Neck offers including sports, dining, golf, and swimming in the larger than life pools. All sorts of individualized membership programs are available….pick and choose just what suits your fancy.

Social events abound… you would be hard-pressed to find an activity that did not meet with your life style…that’s it!! Life style!….Want a perfect life style, a mild climate, amenities second to none, and a dream home to appreciate for years to come? Well then it is all here in Porters Neck Plantation.

ar126452858083069 Porters Neck in Wilmington North Carolina

Featured Listings Investment

112 Grace Point Dr Winnabow, NC 28479
(MLS 411418)

Lovely brick townhome with metal roof, pantry, garage, microwave – all appliances included, screen porch, ceramic tile Kitchen & baths. Rented until 3/31/09 for $1000 per month after that tenant is on month to month. Community pool, yard maintenance. Owner related to agent. Decorated with neutral color. Microwave over stove, white cabinets. 1 car garage with opener, access door to outside. All appliances included. Located across from community pool

3 bedroom – 2 bathrooms – 1,250 SF

Offered at $149,900

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Welcome

riverfront wilmington WelcomeThank you for choosing our web site for your “home search.” Here you can find all the information you need on Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, Topsail Beaches, Kure and Carolina Beaches, Hampstead, Leland and the other areas of the Cape Fear Region located in North Carolina. To view home listings at a click of the mouse, check out our MLS Search on the right hand side of the page. Here you can search all of the homes in our area.

Our area is special, so please take the time to explore our website. There is a lot of information available to you. You can also visit at variety of neighborhoods in our area. The list is growing daily, so be sure to check back often.

Thinking of moving to Wilmington to retire or for a vacation home? Need to purchase a primary residence? A home for your college student? Land for future investment. We can assist you.

Moving to the Cape Fear Region was one of the best decisions we ever made! Please also check out our local information on this site for fun things to do and to learn more about our wonderful area!! Looking for something specific and need assistance, just click on the button to the right “Get Latest Listings” and fill out the form. A personalized search will be completed for you by one of us to get you started.

wilminton beach dick and sandy beals WelcomeAs a husband and wife team, we realized we love helping people. Working as your experienced real estate consultants and friends, we can help you negotiate the Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, Kure, Topsail, Hampstead, Leland area real estate market successfully and happily!

Our clients’ needs and priorities are our focus. We are dedicated to providing you with a level of service beyond your expectations. It is our goal to provide you with the most comprehensive “informational” and stress-free experience in order for you to achieve your real estate goals. Email us for a quick response! Learn more about us and Wilmington by visiting the different pages of our web site!!!

- Sandy & Dick Beals

Fun Things to Do When You Live in Wilmington

  1. Go for a dinner cruise – our riverboats will take you on moonlight or sunset cruises up and down the Cape Fear River. These cruises are narrated or you can dance the night away
  2. Visit the Cape Fear Museum, the Railroad Museum, the Bellamy Mansion Museum, St. Johns Museum of Art or the Wilmington’s Children’s Museum where you can let your imagination run wild or just discover the wealth of history in your new community
  3. Walk through the grounds of a lovely plantation with its magnificent trees and its thousands of azaleas at Orton Plantation or take a trip back to the 1800s at Poplar Grove Plantation where you can attend such events as the Medieval Times Festival..
  4. Take a tour of Screen Gems Studios and see why they call us ‘Wilmywood”- you may even see one of the stars
  5. Take the kids to Jungle Rapids, our most popular waterpark
  6. Take a walk under the cypress trees at Greenfield Lake and Gardens or attend an outdoor play in its amphitheater
  7. Visit the Links at any of our numerous golf courses and country clubs designed for the novice or experienced golfer
  8. Celebrate and experience community tradition at the Azalea Festival which is one of the state?s largest festivals
  9. Dart down to the waterfront for the Floating Holiday Parade at our many beaches each year
  10. Attend a college sporting event such as the UNCW Seahawks basketball game
  11. Catch a Broadway show at popular Thalian Hall Performing Arts Center- There’s nothing like it
  12. Step back in history by visiting our WWII Battleship on the riverfront
  13. Get spooked by taking our mystery and ghost tours – learn about the legends of Wilmington
  14. Hook that big fish at any one of our fishing tournaments
  15. Go Shaggin at the Carolina Beach Music Festival
  16. Experience all the excitement of baseball and watch the Wilmington Sharks play ball
  17. Ride a roller coaster at Jubilee Amusement Park
  18. Enjoy a bowl of chili in October at our Chili Cook-off held each year in McCrae Park
  19. Take a trolley tour or carriage ride of the area and enjoy the beautiful sites
  20. Build a sand castle at the beach – best yet this one is FREE
  21. Visit the aquarium at Fort Fisher and the Fort Fisher Museum
  22. Eat at any of our fine restaurants and bistros where you can sample fresh seafood, unique regional culinary delights and much more including ocean front dining
  23. Relax in splendor at one of our many Bed and Breakfasts located throughout the area
  24. Visit our Library and relax with a cup of cappuccino from Port City Java.
  25. Animal lovers can visit the 5 acre, forest-like environment at Tote-em-In Zoo – Fun for the whole family.

Downtown is perhaps the core of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach’s charm. In the thriving residential and business district, homes dating from the Revolutionary era are immaculately restored as private residences and museums. Retail shops and restaurants, art galleries and law offices populate the waterfront from Chandler’s Wharf to the Cotton Exchange and east to Fifth Avenue.

Places to Go and Things to do!

Arboretum
A teaching and learning facility focusing on plant life adapted to southeastern North Carolina. Includes landscaping and coastal plants. 452-6396.

beals l town battleship Fun Things to Do When You Live in Wilmington

Battleship North Carolina
The USS North Carolina participated in every major naval operation in the Pacific. 350-1817.

Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts
This antebellum home offers tours and exhibitions focusing on architecture and history. 251-3700.

beals l town museum Fun Things to Do When You Live in Wilmington
Bellamy Mansion Museum

Brunswick Town State Historic Site
Excavated ruins of a colonial port town founded in 1726 and burned by the British in 1776, this state historic site includes a visitors center with exhibits about life in a colonial town and artifacts gathered from its ruins. 371-6613.

Burgwin-Wright House
Built in 1770 over an abandoned city jail, this house is the oldest restoration in Wilmington. 762-0570.

Cape Fear Museum
The largest history museum in eastern North Carolina celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1998. The museum features exhibits that explore the history and natural history of the Cape Fear region. 341-7413.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River was the last Confederate stronghold to fall to the North. All that remains are its earthworks, the largest in existence. There is an excellent museum on site, as well as occasional re-enactments.458-5538.

beals l town egret Fun Things to Do When You Live in Wilmington

Greenfield Lake and Gardens
A cypress “Swamp” surrounded by nearly five miles of walking paths and bridges, is on the of most beautiful sites in the area.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Features a large observation tank filled with fish native to the area’s coastal waters (including sharks and huge sea turtles), a discovery room and touch tank for the kids, and plenty of outdoor adventures. 459-8257.

Poplar Grove Plantation
Restored 1850 Greek Revival Manor house takes a look back at plantation life during the late 1800s. 686-4868.

St. John’s Museum of Art
Features a permanent collection covering three centuries of North Carolina’s art, as well as traveling exhibits and the works of local artists. 763-0281. Wilmington Railroad Museum Pays tribute to the railroad industry, which includes a restored steam locomotive and an extensive collection of photographs and artifacts. 763-2634.

Profit for Parents

Recent articles about Wilmington, NC are surfacing all over the internet ……..and for good cause. Here is one that states that the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) is one of the better buys in the country. Now lets imagine your child picks UNCW, the living expenses, dorm fees, and school costs are a little much, yet it is pretty much like that wherever college towns exist. However if the parent were to purchase a 3 bedroom home, rent 2 of the rooms to other students, and keep the property for a second home or a retirement get-a-way, it really makes sense. The appreciation rate for Wilmington for the next 3 to 5 years is projected to be 35 to 38%, combine that with favorable interest rates, an attractive area for retirees, and cost of living benefits, it could be a money making idea for parents to consider UNCW. Check with your financial planner, or accountant, to see if this could work for you.

Full article (reprinted with permission from Wilmington Business Journal) follows:

UNCW makes “Best Values” list
January 15, 2007

The University of North Carolina Wilmington is one of the top five “Best Values” among public universities in North Carolina, according to Kiplinger’s 2007 rankings. UNCW has been in the top 5 for the state in the Kiplinger report since 2003.

UNCW also ranked 35th nationally for “best value” to in-state students and 51st for out-of-state students. Kiplinger’s said schools in the top 100 “are noteworthy for their combination of top-flight academics and affordable costs.”

Of UNCW’s 15 peer institutions, which are determined by the UNC Board of Governors, 11 appear in the January 2007 listing of Kiplinger’s top 100 best values in public colleges. For the second consecutive year, the top four best values among that peer group, which are all public master’s institutions, are James Madison University, the College of New Jersey, Truman State and UNCW.

“This is truly exciting news,” said Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo. “Our number one goal is to provide the most powerful learning experience possible for our students. These rankings clearly recognize that UNCW continues to offer its students an educational experience of the highest quality, one that is both accessible and affordable.”

UNCW also has received top rankings from U.S.News & World Report and The Princeton Review. For the ninth consecutive year, UNCW was named one of the top 10 public master’s universities in the South in the annual college rankings by U.S.News & World Report. UNCW ranks seventh in the 2007 edition, as it has for six out of the past nine years.

UNCW also received the 2007 “Best in the Southeast” designation by The Princeton Review. On the list of 150 “Best Value” colleges, UNCW is designated as one of the best overall bargains – based on cost and financial aid – among the most academically outstanding colleges in the nation.

For more information contact Dick & Sandy Beals of WilmingonRealEstate4u.com or Beals Team.com