Wilmington NC Builder Matches Tax Credit

A Wilmington NC real estate builder is willing to match the $8000 tax credit to homebuyers that purchase any remaining townhomes at Carleton Place.

These elegant one level brick  townhomes are located within minutes to Wrightsville Beach, Mayfaire and UNCW. These homes are very affordable with prices starting at just $179,900 and custom upgrades such as granite countertops, stainless appliances, hardwood floors and ceramic tile are are INCLUDED! Three different spacious and open  floor plans are offered with optional one and two car garages and a finished room over the garage for bonus space.

Reserve your Wilmington NC townhome close to the beach, shopping and all that Wilmington has to offer right here at The Townes at Carleton Place.

If you are searching for Wilmington NC real estate, you can find it all on my website at www.cbbaker.com. There you can search by maps, prices, neighborhoods, schools and more.

Income Tax Deadline

You’re probably up to your neck by now in forms and paperwork as the April 15th income tax deadline approaches. Maybe you’ve already completed your taxes, paid your bill, or are awaiting your refund check. Either way, now is the perfect time to revisit the extended and expanded Home Buyer’s Tax Credit.

$8000 Tax Credit

Why? Because now, as you calculate your tax bill or your refund, you can finally see in real terms just how beneficial a tax credit of up to $8,000 can be to your bottom line.

Here’s the basics:

Qualified 2009 and 2010 first-time home buyers can get up to 10% of the home’s purchase price or a maximum of $8,000. In November 2009, legislation extended a tax credit of up to $6,500 (or up 10% of the home’s purchase price) to long-time residents of the same primary residence if they purchase a new main home. To qualify, eligible taxpayers must show that they lived in their previous homes for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period ending on the closing date of the new home.

Important details to remember:

1) You don’t have to pay it back (as long as you stay in your qualified home for at least 36 months).

2) If you qualify for the credit, you can still apply it to this year’s taxes, even if you’ve already filed your returns, or save it for your 2010 returns.

3) This is a true tax credit, not a deduction. If you qualify for the full credit, there will be an actual dollar-for-dollar reduction of up to $8,000 (or up to $6,500 for qualified repeat buyers) on your tax bill now or in 2010.

4) New income qualification limits have been put in place that expanded the pool of qualified buyers.

5) If you purchased a qualified home or plan to after reading this article, you must have a contract in place by April 30, 2010 (with closing to take place by June 30, 2010), so don’t wait!

There are, of course, other details and qualification requirements and restrictions that you’ll need to consider. But don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions. Also, if you happen to have your completed 2009 tax return handy, we’ll help you calculate how much money you can get if you purchase a home and qualify for the full credit.

Wilmington NC Real Estate

Start your Wilmington NC real estate search right here. You can search homes by schools, price range, neighborhoods, maps, zip codes and more. And, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at kaybaker@ec.rr.com.
If you know anyone who is looking to buy or sell a home, please forward their name and telephone number to us. We will happily provide the same high level of service that we have provided to you. The greatest compliment you could possibly give us is the referral of your friends and family.

Spring is right around the corner in Wilmington NC. What a great time to get a jump start on your spring cleaning.  If you are considering putting your home on the market, this might be the time to hire a cleaning professional.

Some of the things you need to keep in mind are:

1. Make a list of things that you would like to have done to the interior and the exterior of the home. 

2.  Do your homework and ask friends for referrals of cleaning companies.  Check out references before you hand over the keys to you home.

3.  Make sure that the cleaning company handles taxes for their employees, has insurance and is bonded.

4. Get an estimate for services and make sure it is detailed.  Your idea of a cleaning might be different than theirs.

5.  Make sure that the company can schedule days to fit your schedule and whether or not they supply the cleaning equipment and supplies.

6.  A professional cleaning job can make your home shine and show well. 

7.  Call us to help you sell your home!

So, start your real estate search today at www.cbbaker.com.  You can find a new home as well as get seller advice.  You can search by price range, map, schools, neighborhoods and more.

Wilmington NC Real Estate

The real estate market in Wilmington is definitely showing signs of improvement in the number of homes sold and the list price for Dec 09 over Dec 08. And, our average sales price has decreased 9.6% over 4th quarter 08, and increased 5.3% over 3rd qtr 09. There was a 12% decrease in median sales price over 4th quarter 08 and.03% decrease over 3rd quarter.

Sales price to list ratio was at 94.3% in the 4th qtr 2009 and the 4th qtr had an increase in number of homes sold by 34.5% from 4th quarter 08. As we know a lot of these sales were primarily driven by the tax credit that was set to expire Nov 30, 2009.

Hopefully last year will be the year that the market has bottomed out and started to stabilize. And, 2010 should be the very best year in a long time, for home buying opportunities. Remember, first time home buyers tax credit has been extended and expanded to include repeat, move up buyers, prices are down 10% from 2008, foreclosures and short sales are excellent buying opportunities,  mortgage rates are at historic lows, and  there is a large inventory of homes for sale to choose from.

So, start your real estate search today at www.cbbaker.com. You can search by price range, map, schools, neighborhoods and more.

Today’s home buyers are becoming a bit more practical in their home buying decisions. They may choose  cost effective architecture over  the home theater and other rooms that have been so popular in the past. Home buyers may opt for smaller homes these days but still desire the open spacious kitchens for family gatherings.

Some of today’s home buyers most important rooms and features are home office, ceiling fans, soaking tubs, brick exterior, two car garage, outdoor living spaces, master suite on main floor with soaking tub, Spacious kitchen with granite countertops, energy efficiency.

In today’s real estate market it’s all about family, casual living, entertaining and outdoor living.

If you are searching for Wilmington NC real estate, you can search by map, price range, neighborhoods, schools, zip codes and more at www.cbbaker.com.

Wilmington NC real estate market

The Wilmington NC real estate market is really making a bounce back with the number of showings at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast up a whopping 72% over December! There were 2757 showings of our very own listings in January! That is amazing.

If you are in the market to sell your home this year, now is the time to be getting your home on the market. You don’t want to be left behind when we get into our Spring selling season this year. The Northeast market is rebounding, as well. When that happens, those buyers will be here in the Spring to purchase .

And Wilmington NC home buyers, don’t forget the clock is ticking for the tax credit. If you would like to search for homes in Wilmington, NC by price range, schools, map, zip codes and even neighborhoods, my website does it all at www.cbbaker.com. Please feel free to contact me at kaybaker@ec.rr.com.

Wilmington NC Jobs Increase

There are signs of a recovering economy as a recent jobs report listing cities with jobs growth over 1% for period July-October 2009, listed Wilmington NC in the top ten cities for jobs growth during that period. The list was compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 77 cities that saw jobs increase during that period and 19 cities saw growth of over 1%. Wilmington NC jobs increased by 2.1% while Merced, Calif saw a 2.7% increase and Raleigh-Cary 1.3%. That is really good news for the Cape Fear Region.

The housing market seems to be experiencing a comeback, as the market has had 4 consecutive months of sales increases over 2008.

Wilmington NC Real Estate

If you are thinking about purchasing Wilmington, NC real estate, please take advantage of the $8000 tax credit. What an opportunity for homebuyers! And, you can search for Wilmington NC homes by neighborhood, schools, maps, zip codes, price and more at www.cbbaker.com. Please feel free to contact me at kaybaker@ec.rr.com or 910232-0363. We are here to assist you with your real estate needs every step of the way.

Homebuyers Good Faith Estimate

Recent guidelines from Washington have forced a change to the way that loan originators will disclose closing costs for all homebuyers. The purpose of the new Good Faith Estimate is to level the playing field for borrowers comparing loans to be able to make apples to apples comparisons for loan scenarios.

In essence, HUD is working to bring all lenders up to the same standard of excellence in reporting closing costs that I have always adhered to, estimating realistic fees that a buyer should expect to pay at closing with no last minute surprises.

Closing costs for the homebuyer

What are the important facts you should be award of as a homebuyer? Below are some important points to know:

All fees paid to the lender/broker are to be consolidated in one line, including processing fees, origination fees, etc. These charges cannot change from the original estimate without a material change to the loan requested.
In the event fees are being charged to obtain a lower rate, these are to be broken out and itemized for the borrower’s ease of comparison to other loan programs.
Estimates for fees from government recording charges and third party settlement providers we suggest are to be itemized and the lender is held to a tolerance of 10% for their accuracy. In the event the estimated charges exceed the amount listed by the allowable tolerance, the lender will be responsible for making up the difference.
Estimates for services that the buyer can shop for and do choose can change at settlement without the lender being held accountable. This can include title charges, homeowner’s insurance, and initial deposits for an escrow account.

Wilmington NC Homebuyers

As always, we strive to assist our Wilmington, NC homebuyers in selecting a reputable home lender that will give you an accurate estimate of closing costs and funds for closing.

Wilmington NC Real Estate

Why not contact a professional Realtor with many years of local knowledge and experience, Kay Baker. I am here to assist you in your purchase of Wilmington NC real estate every step of the way. Whether you are looking for foreclosures and short sales, second home, golf course home or a first time buyer, we are here to guide you in one of your most important decisions. Take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity to buy a home. Interest rates are at historic lows and homes are all on SALE! Contact me today kaybaker@ec.rr.com.

Wilmington NC Real Estate

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Associates now have the ability to leverage the power and success of Homes.com! One of real estate’s fastest-growing property portals, Homes.com features nearly 100 percent organic traffic for better listing performance and higher quality leads. Now all of our Wilmington NC real estate listings will be near the top of the search results.

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty and Homes.com have
partnered together to increase your listing exposure
to more than 4 million monthly viewers.

Homes.com

Homes.com Premier Listings include:
Up to 30 photos of your current listing will
automatically be displayed
Virtual tours will automatically display
Agent photo and name will appear
Your phone number, email and link to your agent
website will appear
Listings included on the Homes.com search application for the iPhone include a link from to drive traffic directly to your website
Live mapping of each property
Control panel access for tracking and lead distribution
A Control Panel is available for those agents who wish to make additional changes to their listings on
homes.com.

If you are looking to sell Wilmington NC real estate, please give us a call today. We will show you our very aggressive marketing approach for 2010! Don’t hesititate, give us a call today or email kaybaker@ec.rr.com.

Porters Neck Plantation

Porters Neck Plantation is a private and gated country club community located in Wilmington, NC. It  offers Southern hospitality with its low country architecture and friendly neighborhoods of years gone by. Whether you are seeking the easy life of low maintenance living in a patio home or villa, or the Southern architecture of distinctive Porters Neck homes, you will find it all right here. Porters Neck Plantation is located minutes from bustling Wilmington, NC,  Wrightsville Beach and Historic Wilmington on the riverfront. Porters Neck is also home to a fine country club and championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio. In addition, you will enjoy all types of water activities with access to the ICWW at your fingertips. Take a cruise over to popular Lee Island and Rich’s Inlet for fabulous afternoon relaxation.

This unique low country style home in Porters Neck with beaded cedar siding is a very  spacious home with 3BR, 2.5 Bath and an oversized 3-car garage with a double and single garage door and laundry sink. The 26 X 15 finished room above garage has a walk-in closet. This quality home has numerous upgrades including a Culligan Reverse Osmosis and Water Softener. Hardwood floors in the main living area and custom built-ins add elegance and flank the gas log fireplace. Wonderful storage areas exist inside and out where you’ll find a 10 X 12 crawl space slab area for most any outdoor item. This home sits on a professionally landscaped .58 corner cul-de-sac lot. Enjoy flowering Hydrangea, Camellia, and other lush trees and vegetation from the 13 X 11 screened porch and adjacent deck. Also wide moldings, French doors, plantation shutters, smooth ceilings, large walk-in closets, a separate jetted tub and walk-in tiled shower in the master bath, double vanity and a walk-in laundry room with cabinets. Enjoy wonderful walks on the beach or day fishing just minutes away.

Wilmington NC Real Estate

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests about homes for sale in Porters Neck Plantation, Wilmington, NC real estate, or any location in the Cape Fear Region. I have lived here all my life and can help match a neighborhood with a home and schools. I know where the best shopping is and all the main attractions. If you are looking for a second home or investment property in Porters Neck Plantation, there are still really affordable homes in the great coastal area, but you will need a real estate expert to help you.