Diane's Wilmington NC Real Estate Thoughts: November 2008

Here's an update on current market conditions:

• We have 5,651 single family homes for sale per the MLS. 
• 2008 year to date average sale price $ 257,434
• Oct. 2008 - Median Sold Price is $200,000
• 365 homes sold in October 2008, shows 16 month supply of single family homes
• List to Sale Price Ratio:  94.7%
• Average Days on the Market October 2008 -116 Days

Most would agree that an inventory supply over 6 months is a buyer's market.  So now is the time to buy.  A solid credit score, down payment, and low interest rates help make the process easy. 

To view properties visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com.  Please let me know if I can provide additional information.

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

910-617-5244 or 910-202-3767

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is offering residents of Wilmington and New Hanover County an opportunity to focus on using water wisely.

I was surprised to learn that residents of Wilmington and New Hanover County use approximately 138 gallons of water per person per day and generate over 80 gallons of wastewater per person per day.

If each resident used 5 gallons less of water each day (equivalent to about 2 toilet flushes), almost 1,000,000 gallons of water could be saved.

You have the opportunity to Pledge 2 and Save 5 by completing and returning the pledge form to C.F.P.U.A.'s Water Conservation Office.  There will also be a monthly drawing for a home water conservation kit.  You'll learn just how easy saving water can be.

If you have any questions or would like more information, e-mail your inquiry to the Water Conservation Department: conserveh2o@cfpua.org

For information on Wilmington and New Hanover County homes, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

910-617-5244 or 910-202-3767

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

Today, I would like to take the time to say thank you to all the men and women who have served our country in the past and those who continue to serve.  You are our heroes!

Today was Cape Fear Community College's inaugural event for the Veterans History Project at the college.  The event offered veterans an opportunity  to listen to military speakers and swap stories.

Starting this semester, all CFCC history students will be matched with veterans of wars, both past and present, to record their memories and document U.S. history. The project is both a college research assignment and a contribution to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Students will be collecting stories and doing interviews until the end of the school year in May, 2009.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 16 million U.S. armed forces personnel served in World War II between Dec. 1, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946. Their numbers had declined to 5.7 million by the 2000 census, This number is expected to decline even more by the next census in 2010.

For more Wilmington NC area information, please visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

With the election now behind us, I've noticed investors are becoming quite interested in our beach properties, or any property in the area that is considered "a deal".  Now is a great time to invest in a vacation home!

With attractive pricing in the current market, now is a good time to buy.  There is lots of inventory available to choose from.  Vacation rentals remain strong, even in this economy.  Choosing to invest in a vacation rental can many times pay the mortgage.  In some cases, still allowing time for the owner to enjoy the home as well.

For information on homes with a rental hisory, or other investment opportunities in the Wilmington NC, Wrightsville Beach, or Carolina Beach areas, visit my website

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

910-617-5244 or 910-202-3767

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15th, 10 am to 4 pm.  The city of Wilmington will be hosting a Fall Nature Festival at Halyburton Park.

Enjoy nature exhibitors, a live birds of prey presentation, live reptiles, music, hayrides and more!

A $4 registration fee for the Birds of Prey and the Reptiles Live is required.  Hayrides are $2 per person. The park and all other exhibits are free and open to the public.

Visit www.halyburtonpark.com for more information.  For Wilmington area information visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO/CMS/CNMS/CNRS/CNAS

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

910-617-5244 or 910-202-3767

Below is a market update for the Bayshore community in the 28411 area of Wilmington.  Located off of Market Street (US17N), many choose this neighborhood due to the boat access and water rights (deeded on some of the homes).  Home styles and sizes vary.  To search for homes, visit my website

If you wish to register your home search requirements and work with an agent to help find your new home, sometimes even before its listed by normal means, please give me a call at 910-617-5244.

Best Regards,

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

Whether moving your family goes smoothly many times depends on the approach. The secret to reducing stress is remaining positive, believing the move offers new opportunities.

1. Before The Move.

• Be positive.
• Gather factual information on ways to deal with move-related events.
• Be flexible.

2. During The Move.

• Schedule family recreation time to get away from moving stress.
• Exercise regularly.
• Seek support from friends and family.
• Eat regular, well-balanced meals. Hunger amplifies attitudes and stress.

3. After The Move.

• Tap resources to provide the family with information on services in the new community.
• Help the family members make new connections both social and professional.
• Enjoy your new home.

To view homes available for sale in Wilmington NC, visit my website.  For information on value priced homes, call me at 910-617-5244 or email dianeparker@seacoastrealty.com

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO/CMS

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

910-617-5244 or 910-202-3767

Third quarter 2008 data as reported by the MLS is showing the following for the 28405 area.

• 3rd Quarter 2008 Average Selling Price - $305,700 - Down 13.0% over 2007 Year End Average Selling Price of $351,466
• 3rd Quarter 2008 Average List Price - $318,503 - Down 13.1% over 2007 Year End Average List Price of $366,588
• 3rd Quarter 2008 Average Days on the Market - 105 days
• 3rd Quarter 2008 List to Sales Price Ratio - 95.9%, up from 95.8% at 2007 Year End

With the amount of housing inventory available, it's a very desireable time to purchase real estate.  To view homes for sale in Wilmington, visit www.thekeytowilmington.com

Third quarter 2008 data as reported by the MLS is showing the following for the 28409 area.

• 3rd Quarter 2008 Average Selling Price - $329,576 - Up 1.4% over 2007 Year End Average Selling Price of $325,071
• 3rd Quarter 2008 Average List Price - $347,507 - Up 2.9% over 2007 Year End Average List Price of $337,633
• 3rd Quarter 2008 Average Days on the Market - 124 days
• 3rd Quarter 2008 List to Sales Price Ratio - 94.8%, down from 96.2% at 2007 Year End

With the amount of housing inventory available, it's a very desireable time to purchase real estate.  To view homes for sale in Wilmington, visit www.thekeytowilmington.com

Below is 3rd Quarter 2008 MLS data for the Wilmington 28412 area.

• Average Selling Price - $203,902 - Down 13.1% from 2007 Year End Average Sell Price of $234,638
• Average List Price - $209,908 - Down 12.6% from 2007 Year End Average List Price of $240,276
• Average Days on the Market - 132 days

To view homes for sale in Wilmington NC, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com