http://seacoastrealty.com/blog/archive_201605/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Right between North Carolina’s famed Cape Fear River and the inner bank beaches in the southeastern part of the state lies the charming, historic port city of Wilmington, an untapped wonder of a town that’s seeing one of the greatest population booms in the nation.With its great weather, natural beauty on all sides and a relatively inexpensive cost of living, Wilmington has been attracting seasonal visitors, second-home vacationers, property investors and permanent residents since the 1990s.A Look at WilmingtonAs the only substantially-sized city on the North Carolina coast, Wilmington is an eclectic mix of grand old Southern mansions, charming cottages, gleaming condos and beautiful homes. It features its own seaport, international airport, a local University of North Carolina campus and myriad technical schools, community colleges and other educational facilities. Already considered a rare breed among travel destinations due to the variety of world-class golf courses, shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues, it boasts a lively art and theater scene, splendid gardens, museums and Civil War sites, Naval battleships, deep sea fishing and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.The population of about 116,000 is diverse and culturally rich, all contributing to Wilmington’s unique atmosphere. Wilmington is primarily a white-collar city, with more than 85 percent of the workforce employed in white-collar jobs – well above the national average. Overall, Wilmington is a city of professionals, sales, office workers and service providers. Not being a huge metropolis is one of the characteristics that allows Wilmington to keep its Southern charm and small-town feel, although the city offers a huge range of diversions, professional and personal opportunities and amenities to both its residents and the thousands of visitors and vacationers who descend upon the area beaches every year. Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach are all within a 25-minute drive of each other and minutes from Wilmington.Location, Location, LocationWhether you’re interested in living downtown, immersing yourself in the historic district, enjoying the countryside or taking advantage of the serene or active lifestyle the local beaches offer, the greater Wilmington area offers a wealth of homes at reasonable prices. DowntownWilmington City offers a wide variety of architectural styles and sizes in homes – from cozy one-bedroom cottages to larger family-size properties, townhouses and condos. When compared to similar homes in cities of about the same size, the savings in Wilmington are impressive. For example, a two-bedroom, one-bath home in downtown Wilmington offers almost 800 sq. ft. for about $106,000. In Charleston, S.C., a comparable home in that city’s downtown area will cost more than $380,000. Both homes are in great locations, close to local amenities and the historic districts. The cities are almost even in population, but real estate is at a premium in Charleston.Historic HomesWilmington’s historic district not only features one-hundred-year-old oak-lined streets, the famed one-mile-long Riverwalk is minutes away, which is home to many boutiques, eclectic shops and vibrant nightlife venues. Living along the elegant streets of the historic district also allows you to enjoy fresh local seafood and regional specialties at more than 40 locally owned restaurants and pubs any night of the week.If the thought of living in a restored 19th century home on a cobblestone street appeals to your sense of history, a number of lovely homes in Wilmington’s historic district are just waiting for your finishing touches. Live in a classic 3 to 6 bedroom Southern home updated with the latest in modern day amenities, but retaining the original architectural beauty of 9-foot ceilings with crown moldings, multiple fireplaces, original wood flooring and magnificent Southern porches.In Wilmington, you can live that dream in a lovely updated 1895 home offering 2,344 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home for under $430,000. In the historic district of Savannah, Ga., a 2,002 square foot single family home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms starts at nearly $700,00.Townhomes and CondosBusinesses of all sorts are booming in Wilmington. Some of the top employers include the New Hanover Health Network, General Electric, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Verizon Wireless. The jobs that these and other companies provide naturally attract young singles and couples to the area. Not everyone wants a house with a picket fence, but luckily there’s a wide selection of townhomes and condos within minutes of Wilmington downtown and the area beaches, offering new residents the best of both worlds.There are no size constrictions when it comes to condo living in Wilmington – whether you prefer a simple, yet tastefully appointed loft or a comfortable two-bedroom townhome within easy proximity to your job or interests, Wilmington has both and more at reasonable prices. These low maintenance units, which offer yard service and community amenities, are much less expensive than a traditional single family home.For example, a centrally-located 2-bedroom, 3-bath, 1,345 square foot townhouse in Wilmington will cost far less at $105,000 than a 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,224 square foot townhome in Virginia Beach, VA, which starts at $170,000. Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a wide variety of homes for everyone. From first time home buyers to people looking for a place to retire or invest, the North Carolina coast provides you with a value that is hard to find anywhere else.  http://seacoastrealty.com/blog/1943/single-family-homes-in-wilmington-offer-some-of-the-best-value-on-the-coast/ Tue, 31 May 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage is proud to announce the following “Best of the Best” award winners. These sales associates and teams excelled during the 1st quarter of 2016 as the top producers for the #1 real estate company in Southeastern North Carolina.Wilmington OfficeGruner Residential   Jessica Edwards & AssociatesTeam Gale    Jennie Stevens TeamThe Cameron TeamJennifer FarmerHolly Overton Marketing GroupCynthia Strickland TeamChris Baynes & AssociatesThe Fortunato TeamBrett Knowles TeamSherwood Strickland GroupEric SabourinShane Register TeamHarrison PeeblesMichelle Gurrera & AssociatesShirley LoganSandy Monroe & AssociatesBarbara Pugh TeamRushell BongiornoMatthew CostinThe Wilson TeamMeredith JacksonAllison DonovanJosie GodwinMaDonna McMahonChris LutherPenny OlsonEliza SantosKelly SloopConnie CoxDonna SavageKay Baker Associates  Brunswick OfficeHank Troscianiec & AssociatesRosado & AssociatesNolan FormalarieEmily Willetts TeamGinger HarperAlma BouchardDoug Bris-BoisSharon ZakPeggy Groneman Carolina Beach OfficeCori McQueenAlison KellerTeresa McLambLeland OfficeShawn Horton – Trusst Marketing GroupKaren Schwartz TeamSean SkutnikJeff DominDana GoreEden GilliamOphard Willis Oak Island OfficeThe Haraway Group Cronick & Associates  Cheryl Kuntz LoweryBobbi Diaz-Welch Shallotte OfficeEnzor & Associates  Frances WarnerMcNeely Real Estate GroupThe Kozel Team    Edie CaudillDavid EnzorTom RieberThe Hope TeamEvelyn MadisonFrank Saubers Holden Beach OfficeBarbara AndrewsLinda Stephens Jacksonville OfficeTerri Alphin Smith & Co.Castro Real Estate Group   Jenna MortonTeam Triple Advantage 40 Sails   Lori Smith’s Hometown TeamAl Wagner Sneads Ferry OfficeChristina AsburyLottie Koenig Hampstead OfficeChristina Block & AssociatesNora Ruehle Topsail OfficeChristina Pitz & AssociatesCollins Real Estate Group http://seacoastrealty.com/blog/1945/congratulations-1st-quarter-2016-best-of-the-best!/ Wed, 25 May 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage is pleased to announce our top producing agents & teams for April.Wilmington OfficeTop Listing Agent                            Harrison PeeblesTop Selling Agent                            Eric SabourinTop Listing Team                             Team GaleTop Selling Team                             Gruner Residential  Carolina Beach OfficeTop Listing Agent                            Alison KellerTop Selling Agent                            Cori McQueenTop Listing & Selling Team               The Moran Team  Brunswick OfficesTop Listing Agent                            Nolan FormalarieTop Selling Agent                            Ginger HarperTop Listing Team                             The Haraway GroupTop Selling Team                             Rosado & Associates  Jacksonville OfficeTop Listing Agent                            Jenna MortonTop Selling Agent                            Marvin HenryTop Listing & Selling Team               Terri Alphin Smith & Co.  Leland OfficeTop Listing Agent                            Dana GoreTop Selling Agent                            Sean SkutnikTop Listing Team                             Karen Schwartz TeamTo Selling Team                               Shawn Horton – Trusst Marketing Group  Onlsow/Pender OfficeTop Listing Agent                            Lottie KoenigTop Selling Agent                            Deborah RichardsTop Listing Team                             Collins Real Estate GroupTop Selling Team                             Christina Block & Associates  South Brunswick OfficesTop Listing Agent                              David EnzorTop Selling Agent                              Frances WarnerTop Listing & Selling Team                 The Kozel Team   Top New Home Sales Associate Steve Crager  Overall Top ProducersChristina Block & AssociatesGruner ResidentialTerri Alphin Smith & Co.40 SailsSherwood Strickland GroupThe Kozel TeamTeam GaleShawn Horton – Trusst Marketing GroupCollins Real Estate GroupRosado & Associates   http://seacoastrealty.com/blog/1933/congratulations-top-agents-&-teams-april-2016/ Thu, 19 May 2016 12:00:00 -0500 The exponential advancement of Smart technology has left industry professionals with one option: To get on board, or get out of the way. Ever the innovators, Coldwell Banker chose to go a step further and lead the charge by devising a comprehensive definition of the term “Smart Home” in conjunction with CNET, the world’s largest and most trusted online source of consumer technology news and reviews. Yesterday, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage Managing Broker, Amy Helm, unveiled this definition to Sea Coast Advantage agents, staff, and guests:“A home that is equipped with network-connected products (aka “Smart products,” connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself.“In order to be categorized as a Smart home, the property must have a Smart security feature that either controls access or monitors the property, or a Smart temperature feature, in addition to a reliable Internet connection. It must also include at least two additional features from this list:Lighting (Smart light bulbs and lighting systems)Safety (Smart fire / carbon monoxide detectors and nightlights)Entertainment (Smart TVs and TV streaming services)Appliances (Smart refrigerators and Smart washer / dryers) Heating / Cooling (Smart HVAC system, Smart fans or vents)Outdoors (Smart plant sensors and watering systems)Security (Smart locks, Smart alarm systems or cameras)Temperature (Smart thermostats)"“There has never been a time in the history of technology where product development has moved at such a pace and impacted our home life this significantly,” said Helm. “We want our agents armed with the Smart Home knowledge and education they need to assist their buyers and sellers. Coldwell Banker Sea Coast's introduction to that technology is just the first step in the process.”Coldwell Banker CEO, Budge Huskey, referred to our leap into high-tech as “nothing short of amazing” and went on to say that “we will continue to lead in the Smart Home space.” One way Coldwell Banker intends to further dominate this portion of the industry is by making our agents even Smarter. Coldwell Banker University (CBU) in collaboration with CEDIA, the leading trade association for 22,000 Smart Home manufacturers and installers, has developed an industry-first Smart Home certificate program. The course is designed to provide agents with the knowledge to Identify and discuss Smart Home features and benefits with buyers and sellersSuggest Smart Home upgrades to help increase the marketability, improve sales value and/or reduce time on market for a listingAssist buyers in understanding the potential financial benefits of Smart home tech when considering an offer to purchaseAsked about security limitations of available Smart Home technology, Sea Coast Advantage Director of Information Technology, Johnathan Stump, reminded us that though new tech always has its caveats, there are a number of ways Smart tech brands, internet service providers, and the consumer can safeguard our homes and our families while embracing these advanced products. “We’re still learning,” he said “but we’re at the cutting edge and that’s pretty exciting.” “Look for it in new homes, that is where it is going to be coming the quickest,” said Sea Coast Advantage President, Tim Milam. There are also plans in the works for an affordable package, exclusive to Coldwell Banker, that can turn any home into a Smart Home! So, stay tuned, and get ready to Get Smart.  http://seacoastrealty.com/blog/1931/coldwell-banker-sea-coast-advantage-rolls-out-smart-home-definition/ Wed, 18 May 2016 12:00:00 -0500 If you’d love to purchase a home of your own, but the ups and downs of the real estate market over the last decade have you concerned, you’ll be relieved to hear that now is an excellent time to buy! Realtor.com called this year’s real estate climate “the perfect storm for home buyers to get out there and make a winning offer.” CostInterest rates have reached historic lows! Interest on a 30 year fixed-rate loan is hanging-tight, right around 4%. As a frame of reference, it was around 18% in the 80’s!! The tax breaks associated with home ownership just keep getting better. Did you know that if your loan is under a million dollars, all your monthly interest is tax deductible? Is your nest egg not as big as you wish it were? No worries! There are more and more programs out there to help buyers put less money down, making it easier to take the plunge.Price negotiations are getting a little simpler too, as stabilizing home prices have leveled the playing field. One more excellent reason to buy is skyrocketing rent. Predictions show that rents will continue to increase nationwide, making it much more logical to put your hard-earned cash toward a solid investment, like a home to call your own.People are already jumping on the buying train, according to NAR (National Association of Realtors), “pending home sales increased slightly in March for the second consecutive month and reached their highest level in almost a year.” SelectionThere’s been a lot of talk concerning the lack of inventory in our area and some price points are more challenging than others, but that may be changing. In addition to the usual increase in activity during the spring and summer months, many homes have appreciated in value over the last year which results in more people listing their homes for sale. So that means more choices for you! There are 5.9 percent more houses on the market according to NAR compared to 2015.And if you’re a first time home buyer, there are about to be even more brand new homes for you to choose from. Since the recession, the production of starter homes has been extremely limited. However, according to BUILDER Online, there’s been a 25% rise in the building of entry-level homes for this year. That means there are more homes being built and priced just for first-time buyers.Local ClimateWith its beautiful beaches, cultural activities and casual lifestyle, Southeastern North Carolina is definitely a destination location. This region, however, is unique as it owes its durable economy to more than just tourism. The balanced economy and business development in the area are going strong due, in part, to substantial global corporations, healthcare, pharmaceutical and financial industries as well as several institutions of higher learning. Economic growth has consistently remained above the national average while unemployment is significantly lower than both the state and national averages.In addition, the entrepreneurial spirit of this area is evident at every turn. The personal financial site, NerdWallet, conducted a study, which, according to Forbes Magazine, evaluated cities based on “average revenue of local businesses, what percentage can claim paid employees, and the number of businesses per 100 residents.” In addition, “median annual income, housing costs, and unemployment rate were factored in as indicative of the local economic landscape.” Wilmington, which ranked as the second-best city in the nation in which to start a business, has 15 business for every 100 people. From innovative tech start-ups and a wide variety of small businesses to well-known franchises, Southeastern North Carolina is filled with successful entrepreneurs. That’s a sign of a successful region that’s here to stay.If you’re considering buying a new home, now is the time and Southeastern North Carolina is definitely the place!Give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and walk you through the process. http://seacoastrealty.com/blog/1918/it's-time-to-buy-in-southeastern-nc/ Mon, 02 May 2016 12:00:00 -0500