Diane's Wilmington NC Real Estate Thoughts

Blue Point is popular single-family home community located in the Porter's Neck area in northern New Hanover County.  Conveniently located to I-140, this neighborhood is convenient to GE, one of Wilmington's top employers, shopping, medical facilities, and area beaches. 

Below is a market recap of current listings, pending listings, and homes that have sold within the past six months.  For information on Blue Point or other Wilmington homes, click here

 Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

910-617-5244 or 910-202-3767

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

The Internal Revenue Service has released IR-2010-006 which offers a revised Form 5405 that shows the changes made to the tax credit with the extension legislation passed in November 2009.  All tax returns claming the tax credit must be filed manually.  No e-file returns can be utilized.  The revised form also has a section for the buyers who are eligible for the $6500 credit. 

Evidence of the transaction, or HUD-1, must be filed with all returns claiming either the $6500 or $8000 tax credit.  Those claiming the $6500 credit must provide proof that they have owned and lived in their prior residence for 5 years.  Instructions show that homeowners insurance records or property tax records are sufficient proof.  For detailed IRS info, visit Tax Credit Info

There is still time to take advantage of the tax credit.  Buyers have until April 30th, 2010, to be under contract on their property.  Click here to view your new Wilmington home or call Diane Parker at 910-617-5244. 

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

If you're looking for a brick,  spacious 3 BR, 2 bath home, close to area beaches and with no homeowners association, this could be the home for you.  

• 2000-2100 SF
• Inground Swimming Pool
• 24 x 24 Detached Garage
• Additional Storage Shed
• 2 Lots - Front parcel .59, back parcel .23 for a large .82 acre lot
• Minutes to Beach
• .25 mile walk to Intracoastal Waterway
• No Homeowners Association Dues
• Home Being Sold "As-Is"  - Solid Structure in Need of TLC

Call Diane at 910-617-5244 or visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

The New Hanover County School board has voted and approved the new middle school districts for 2010-2011.  The board made some last minute changes before making the official 4-3 vote on January 14th.  As with any change, different people and/or neighborhoods have various concerns.  Some Hooker Road residents are unhappy that their neighborhood has been split.  Bayshore and Emerald Forest residents will attend Noble Middle, while neighboring Marsh Oaks will attend Trask.  Porters Neck students will be placed at the new Holly Shelter Middle.

To view the map, click school map

For info on Wilmington NC Area Homes, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Saturday, January 23rd, from 12-3 pm, employees from Wilmington's Red Robin restaurant will have a lemonade stand set up in front of the Mayfaire movie theater.  Small servings of the of their Freckled Lemonade will be served for $1 each.  This is a tasty blend of strawberries and lemonade.  A glass of the lemonade sells for $3.99 in the restaurant.  Here's your chance to give it a try for only $1.00 while helping those in Haiti.

To search for homes in the Wilmington Area, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

This home is located in one of Wilmington's premiere water access communities.  With winding streets and hardwood trees, this brick home is nestled on a .35 acre lot that comes alive with Springtime color from azaleas and flowering trees.  Neighborhood amenities include use of boat ramp and picnic area on Intracoastal Waterway.  Click below to see all that this lovely home has to offer.

www.8809SawmillCreekLane.com

Thousands look forward to the annual Fall event in downtown Wilmington referred to as Riverfest.  The festival consists of craft vendors, concessions, car shows, family entertainment, a children's area, River Race, Fireworks, and much more.  Besides allowing us all to enjoy the culture and heritage of the Cape Fear River, the festival awards scholarships for marine related studies at Cape Fear Community College. The ultimate goal of Riverfest is to increase the amount of scholarship funds each year to the college.

So, mark your calendars for October 3rd and 4th, 2009.  It's a great time of year to visit Wilmington NC and enjoy all it has to offer.

For Wilmington area information or to view Wilmington NC Real Estate, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com.

Click here to view the Riverfest Schedule

Diane Parker

910-617-5244

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com 

Many people inquire about areas to take their canine companions to romp off-leash.  Consider, The Dog Park at Empie.  The park is Wilmington's first off-leash dog park.  The park is within a 2-acre site of unused land within Empie Park.

Wilmington residents have had a growing interest for a place where pet owners can release there dogs to run freely without concerns of other cars or getting lost.  Restrictions at area beaches and the leash law has many looking for other options.

The park is located at Empie Park at the corner of Independence Boulevard and Park Avenue.

For real estate information in Wilmington NC, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com.  Diane can be reached at 910-617-5244 or DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

 This weekend, take a moment and stop by the Annual NC Spot Festival in Hampstead.  Located across from Deerfield on Highway 17.  Spot dinners are $8.00 including 2 spots, slaw, fries, hush puppies, and iced tea.  Parking is free.  $3.00 entrance fee.  Kids 12 and under get in free.  Bring your lawn chairs, but no coolers or pets.

Spot are abundant around the Carolinas. When spots are running fishermen are able to hook and/or net a great many of these fine fish. Recreational fishermen can fill their coolers and feed their families all winter long with these appetizing fish., and commercial fishermen can fill their nets with this prize catch. As a community that is known as the official Seafood Capital of the Carolinas, many in the Hampstead area owe at least part of their livelihood to the Spot fish. The North Carolina Spot Festival is a great way to honor the little fish that provides great benefits.

While in Hampstead, check out www.420ECreekview.com in the Deerfield community, across the highway from the Spot Festival.  To view homes in the  Hampstead or Wilmington area, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

For more information, call Diane Parker at 910-617-5244 or email DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com.

Many are asking about what's going on at the Porters Neck Road and Market Street intersection.  It's my understanding that stormwater and sewer requirements were completed in August.  Road work, including some road widening was scheduled for completion by mid-September.  Construction is to begin November 1st with completion scheduled for February 2010. 

For information on Wilmington NC homes, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com