Diane's Wilmington NC Real Estate Thoughts

Wilmington NC Housing Market Rebounds With Help of Tax Credit

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:35:50 -0600

226 Fairfield Drive - Wilmington NC 28401 - 1500-1600 SF - $132,525

Thirty-four percent of home sales in the Wilmington NC area in 2009 were from buyers who took advantage of the home buyer tax credit. The extension to June 30, 2010 and the $6500 available to existing home owners hopefully will keep sales moving in the Wilmington NC area. Properties on the areas beaches are still sluggish, as financing for investors and second homes now have more stringent guidelines.

Home sales in December 2009 were up 19.8% from December 2008 in the Wilmington area.

New construction in the $200,000-$250,000 range are also selling. This is a popular range for first-time buyers as well as for those folks downsizing.

Click here for more information on Wilmington NC Real Estate

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

(910) 617-5244

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

Wilmington NC - Cross-City Trail Growing

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:46:10 -0600

There will be a Groundbreaking ceremony on February 18, 2010 @ 10:30 am at the intersection of Randall Parkway and Brailsford Drive to begin construction on 3-miles of the Cross-City Trail. This is a 10-mile multi-use trail connecting Wade Park to the Heide-Trask drawbridge at the ICWW.

Federal Stimulus Money (2M) will help fund Phase I between John Barry Drive and the Cameron Art Museum and Phase II between Converse Road and Randall Parkway. Construction begins in February and is expected to take 4-6 months to complete.

For more Wilmington NC information, 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

www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Military Cutoff Rd Ext and US 17 Hampstead Bypass

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:17:10 -0600

We get lots of questions from home buyers looking at homes in the Ogden area regarding the status of the proposed Military Cutoff Extension. The US 17 corridor study extends Military Cutoff Road to the US 17 Wilmington Bypass. This is part of North Carolina's Strategic Highway Corridor Initiative, which is designed to maximize the long-term interconnectivity of major transportations corridors.

The current project schedule is below, and of course, subject to change at any time.

Complete Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Summer 2010

Select Preferred Alternative - Winter 2010/2011

Complete Final Environmental Impact Statement - Summer 2011

Begin Right-of-Way Acquisition - 2014

Construction - After 2015*

*This project is currently unfunded. Funds are expected to be available approximately 2015,

US 17 Corridor Study Map

Search for Wilmington NC Homes for Sale

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

910-617-5244 or 910-202-3767

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Wilmington NC - Blue Point Market Recap 2/2010

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:12:26 -0600

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

Active
Listing Price Range	Quantity	Average DOM
$250,000 thru $299,999	1	17
$300,000 thru $349,999	3	122
$450,000 thru $499,999	1	408
	5	158


Summary Price Information
Minimum	$274,900	Maximum	$485,000
Average	$342,160	Median	$319,000

Pending
Listing Price Range	Quantity	Average DOM
$350,000 thru $399,999	1	97
$400,000 thru $449,999	1	205
	2	151


Summary Price Information
Minimum	$365,000	Maximum	$435,000
Average	$400,000	Median	$400,000

Sold
Selling Price Range	Quantity	Average DOM
$250,000 thru $299,999	4	92
$300,000 thru $349,999	3	117
$350,000 thru $399,999	1	25
$400,000 thru $449,999	2	241
$500,000 thru $549,999	1	65
	11	117


Summary Price Information
Minimum	$250,000	Maximum	$525,000
Average	$344,955	Median	$321,500

The above featured property may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this brochure.

Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty

910-617-5244 or 910-202-3767

DianeParker@SeaCoastRealty.com

www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

Home Buyers Filing for Tax Credit

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:28:35 -0600

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

1300 Burnett Road - Wilmington NC Home For Sale

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:46:20 -0600

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

New Hanover County Middle School Redistricting 2010-2011

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:56:10 -0600

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

Enjoy a Glass of Lemonade and Help Haiti

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:19:32 -0600

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

Bishops Park at Porters Neck Plantation

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:49:06 -0600

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

Wilmington NC - 2009 Riverfest October 3rd and 4th

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:05:54 -0500

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

Wilmington NC - Dog Park at Empie - Where Your Dog Can Run Off Leash

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:48:39 -0500

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

Hampstead NC Spot Festival September 26-27,2009

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 08:57:15 -0500

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.

Update on Lowe's Home Improvement - Porters Neck Road and Market St

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:00:47 -0500

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

Status of Roundabout - Porters Neck Road and Edgewater Club Road

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:46:17 -0500

The current clearing and tree removal at the intersection of Porters Neck Road and Edgewater Club Road is being performed on private property and is not part of the roundabout project. It is my understanding that the project will come up to but not past the white Porters Neck entrance columns. The original plans showed this project being completed in 2008. Many factors, including economic ones, have delayed the schedule.

According to the NC Department of Transportation, obtaining right of ways and easements is scheduled to be completed by December 2009. Construction is slated to begin in March 2010 with a June 2010 completion.

For Porters Neck area real estate information, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com.

Wilmington NC Pooch Plunge - August 24-August 29, 2009

Diane Parker (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:50:28 -0500

Wilmington, NC's public pool at Legion Stadium is going to the dogs! Let your dogs beat the Summer heat by participating in the "Pooch Plunge"

Legion Stadium Pool, 2131 Carolina Beach Rd.
Monday August 24, 2009 - Friday August 28, 2009 (4:00 pm to 8:00 pm)
Saturday August 29, 2009 (10:00 am to 2:00 pm)

The cost is $5.00 per dog per day and proceeds benefit the Pender County Humane Society. Remember, this event is for dogs only. No humans will be allowed in the pool.

Join the City of Wilmington's Stormwater Services Division to learn more about the Canines for Clean Water program on Tuesday August 25th and Thursday August 27th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the event. Canines for Clean Water is an interactive program for dogs and their owners. Dog owners sign a pledge promising to be responsible for cleaning up after their dog and in return, dogs get a free dog bandana, a treat, and an opportunity to be featured in the online canine photo gallery.