Wilmington NC Real Estate Guide » Wilmington NC real estate

Where is Figure Eight Island, NC?

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:30:09 +0000

Figure Eight Island, NC

Figure Eight Island, NC is located just north of Wrightsville Beach, NC . It is a private island, only accessible by a swing-bridge with a gatehouse and is bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The island consists of 1300 acres and approximately 441 homes. Before the turn of the century, Figure Eight was only home to horses roaming on the dunes. Figure Eight Island today is a beautiful coastal community offering the ultimate in privacy and security and just minutes from the conveniences of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, NC. Figure Eight remains untouched by commercial developments like hotels and shopping centers, although there are many conveniently located nearby.

Beaches and Recreation on Figure Eight Island

Figure Eight Island is well know for its proximity to over five miles of sandy white beaches, sparkling blue waters and abundant natural resources. The area boasts tidal flats that are perfect for swimming, boating, fishing and kayaking. Or, you may take to the ocean for a day of deep sea fishing, windsurfing or just relax by the water’s edge.

Wildlife at Figure Eight

Figure Eight island is ideal for wild life conservation and endangered species such as sea turtles, piping plovers, sea beach amaranth, and marine mammals are closely monitored. Nesting and migrating birds have been frequently seen by birdwatchers on Figure Eight Island. Water lovers are sure to enjoy a school of dolphins from the beachside.

Figure Eight is a Popular Tourist Destination

Figure Eight has long been a popular tourist destination for celebrities and politicians. Former Vice President Al Gore has been know to rent a beach house at Figure Eight. John Travolta and other celebrities are frequent visitors. Scenes from Dawson’s Creek and other movies have been filmed here and in nearby Wilmington.

Figure Eight Island, NC Real Estate

Homes on Figure Eight Island, NC are unlike any other oceanfront property you will find anywhere. The oceanfront homes are designed for the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and range in price from $1,495,000 to $6,50,000, while soundside homes appeal to the boating enthusiasts, and range in price from $2,100,000 to $,6,500,000.

Figure Eight Island offers homeowners the ultimate in privacy and security, and is located just minutes from the conveniences of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Whether you may be looking for oceanfront or waterfront homes at Figure Eight Island, come and enjoy the beauty, serenity and casual atmosphere of Figure Eight Island for yourself. For detailed information on Figure Eight Island Real Estate , please email bakerwayneassociates@ec.rr.com or visit cbbaker.com today.

Figure Eight Island l istings here….

Home Selling Tips

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Fri, 10 May 2013 07:00:04 +0000

With the housing market beginning to rebound, many sellers are starting to ask “where is my offer”? Well, please understand that it is still a buyer’s market. Even though the numbers are starting to point to a rebound, sellers will still need to be diligent in the house selling process.

1. Be careful not to overprice your home. If you are truly motivated to sell in a short length of time, you will need to price it under the market. There are still sellers who think their home is exceptional and should be higher priced. Do not make this mistake. Price your home aggressively.

2.Do not ignore or reject an offer. Any offer is worth negotiating these days, no matter how low. You never know what the buyer is thinking. He may be willing to pay your price.

3.Do not miss the window of opportunity to prepare your home for showing and stage your home. Home sellers need to make your home shine and stand out from the competition. Home buyers have their choice and can be very selective.

4. Sellers need to be knowledgeable of all the competition. Take the time to go look at some of the homes on the market.

5. Sellers should vacate the home during open houses and showings. Buyers are much more willing to take their time and look at everything if the seller is not at home.

6. Be sure to choose an experienced agent with local knowledge and internet presence to market your home.

www.cbbaker.com for all your Wilmington NC real estate needs

MORTGAGE:: Insider’s Guide To The Latest Home-Loan Opportunities

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:34:53 +0000

Mortgage lending is a continually changing industry. Here are some of the more recent changes in regulations, practices and products.

Lenders Welcome Borrowers With Open Arms

Affordable interest rates mean more people can qualify to buy a first home or move to a bigger home, and lenders are reaching out to make mortgages more attractive. Some lenders even sweeten the pot with low (or even no) closing costs. Recently, best buys have been 15-year and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. In many cases, the rates for these loans have been just above adjustable rate mortgage initial rates, which are low for a short period of time, then adjust (rise or fall) with the market.

FHA Changes Mean Help For More Buyers

Changes to the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) mortgage program opened FHA up to many more potential home buyers. Home buyers with an FHA-insured single-family home loan may now finance 100% of the closing costs on the loan. Previously, FHA allowed home buyers to finance only 57% of the closing costs, which added hundreds of dollars to the up-front cash home buyers need for settlement.

A second important change to FHA was raising the maximum loan amount in high-cost areas and linking the maximum to local housing costs. The FHA’s mortgage limit varies by location and property type, depending on home prices in an area and the number of units in the property. In addition, FHA has higher limits in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands because these are considered to be high-cost areas. You can check the current FHA loan limit in your area by going online to: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

Now borrowers will have to put down 3% of the first $25,000 of the loan amount; 5% of the loan amount between $25,001 and $125,000; and 10% of the loan amount above $125,000.

These changes will interest higher-end buyers in FHA loans and make FHA more accessible to those whom the program is primarily intended to serve — prospective buyers who do not qualify for conventional financing. Traditionally, FHA has served buyers who have lower incomes, make smaller down payments and purchase less expensive homes.

More Good News For Loan Shoppers

Federal regulation now mandates that mortgage brokers itemize all fees they receive to originate or close a loan.

Previously, brokers were allowed to lump miscellaneous charges and premiums into a general fees category, which made it nearly impossible to comparison-shop lender fees. The law applies only to mortgage brokers, not mortgage bankers. Fees really do add up, so when loan shopping, ask up-front for an itemized breakdown of lender fees.

Mortgage Help For First-Time Buyers

An exciting Fannie Mae program may help open the door to home ownership for low- and moderate-income buyers.

The Community Home Buyers Program allows for slightly more debt when qualifying for a loan than standard mortgage plans.

Although this program requires a 5% down payment, borrowers can make the down payment with as little as 3% of their money and up to 2% from a family gift or loan from a government or nonprofit agency. In addition, the Community Home Buyers Program waives the common requirement that borrowers have two months’ worth of mortgage payments in savings after closing.

There are special requirements to qualify: Borrowers must attend a series of home-buyer education classes and the borrower’s income must not exceed 115% of the median income in the area. For more information: Fannie Mae, Public Information Office, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 or call (800) 732-6643.

Computer Programs Rate Borrowers

There’s a relatively new twist in mortgage lending. Recently, lenders have started to replace traditional underwriter’s judgements on an applicant’s creditworthiness with a computerized credit rating called “credit scoring.”

Both ways of assessing a potential borrower’s ability to pay back the loan — the underwriter’s judgements and credit scoring — rely on much the same information: salary history, credit history from credit reporting companies, ratio of debts-to-income, etc. But credit scoring uses a computer program designed to predict who will default on a loan. It assigns a numerical score to each factor and then adds them up. Credit scoring is objective and designed to uncover hidden problems. For this reason, credit-scoring programs may assign more importance to some factors that the underwriters might overlook.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these new lending procedures, call or e-mail us. We’ll be happy to assist you.

Enticing The Buyer to Buy YOUR home | Wilmington NC real estate

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:28:57 +0000

INCENTIVES:
12 Contract Options That Entice Buyers

If you’re selling in today’s market, you want to make your house outshine the competition. Buyers are most likely to choose your house if it offers something special. Here are 12 ways to make sure you land a “Sale, Sweet Sale.”

A Spoonful Of Sugar

1. Offer a warranty.

Purchase a buyer’s home warranty to protect against future problems.

2. Help with closing costs.

Cash-poor buyers concerned more with out-of-pocket costs than monthly payments will especially appreciate this one.

3. Consider financing help.

Provide seller financing or buy down the buyer’s mortgage rate for the first year.

4. Help with utilities.

Pay some or all estimated utilities for 6 or 12 months.

5. Help with fees.

Pay a year’s condominium or homeowners association fees.

6. Pre-pay memberships.

Buy a one-year pool or community golf club membership, cable TV subscription, or other recreational activity.

7. Consider a moving allowance.

Pay the buyer’s documented moving expenses, or provide an allowance toward moving costs.

8. Treat them to window treatments.

Offer redecorating cash for new carpet or drapes.

9. Mow down any objections.

Buy a lawn-maintenance service for a year, or offer a riding mower if the lot is large.

10. Give them a dock on the bay.

If you live in a waterfront community, offer to rent a boat slip for a year.

11. Reimburse buyer the cost of points.

This is often a double benefit for buyers, who save both on the points themselves and on their federal taxes. The IRS now allows buyers to deduct the cost of seller-paid points as a Schedule A mortgage expense.

12. Price your home below comparable properties.

Prove your home’s good value by having an appraisal done and setting the price below the appraised amount.Call on us for more ideas of ways to make your home the sweetest one on the market. We’ll create a customized marketing program to help get your home sold in any market!

Search for Foreclosures in Wilmington NC | Real Estate

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:41:27 +0000

Welcome to our Free Wilmington NC Foreclosure Site.

These prices won’t last for long!

Foreclosure, short sale closeouts.

Many desirable properties sell within 48-72 hours of availability.

Be the first to know about these homes!

Foreclosures from $50,000 – $175,000 Click Here…

Foreclosures from $175,000 – $300,000 Click Here…

Foreclosures from $300,000 Click Here…

Click Here to search on your own

We will provide you with free daily updates on Foreclosures and Short Sales in the Wilmington area. Save money and enjoy quick equity when you purchase a foreclosed or a short -sale home. You provide the price and what you are looking for, and we will put you on our automatic listing alert service directly from our MLS system, so that only the homes that match your criteria will be emailed to you. At your convenience look through the listings and if one catches your eye, call us and we will make arrangements with the bank to get more information about the home. It’s just that simple.
Just fill out the email request below and leave the rest to us.

Our speciality in todays market is short sales, foreclosures and Bank owned property. We are knowledgeable and up to date on how to get you the very best price. Just have questions about the real estate market, email us anytime and we will be glad to answer your questions or concerns.

This service is available for New Hanover County, Brunswick County & Pender County. Wilmington NC Real Estate searches can be done on our websitewww.cbbaker.com

Thinking about providing owner financing | What you should know.

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:31 +0000

What Every Seller Should Know About Owner Financing

Even though interest rates currently make conventional loans more available to more buyers, seller financing is still a very good option for both buyers and sellers. It can really pay off, if you hold the right cards. That’s why home buying transactions involving seller financing of some sort can be attractive – more attractive in some areas than others, depending on local market conditions.

Here’s how “seller financing” works.

A second mortgage offered by a seller is usually a short-term “balloon” note, with the buyer making fixed-rate monthly payments and paying off the balance within 3, 5, or 7 years. One very common seller financing arrangement is 10% of the purchase price, with the buyer putting down 10% cash and assuming the seller’s existing loan for 80% of the home’s value (figures will vary).

This is what seller financing can do for a seller.

Speeds up the sale of your home.
Helps you get a better price for your home.
Provides you with a regular income.
Helps reduce capital gains taxes by spreading your profit over several years (especially advantageous in substantial financing).
Can provide a higher interest rate than on some other investments.
Gives you the later option (after your home is sold) of selling all or part of your second mortgage to another lender, mortgage broker or member of the secondary mortgage market – such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA).

Watch out for these potential problems.

Possible buyer default on the loan, lapsed or slow monthly payments.
In case of foreclosure, you must outwait the first mortgagor for return of your money when the property is sold.

Watch out for these potential problems.

Precautions seller-financers should take.
Check a buyer’s credit rating carefully.
Refuse to make your loan assumable.
Get at least 10% in down payment.
Structure your loan so that it can (if you wish) be sold to another lender.

We often have buyers on hand who are looking for seller financing, and we have sellers who are willing to finance. We’d be happy to help make a match. Please call or e-mail us with your real estate needs.

Shhh…. Best Kept Secret Around | Wrightsville Beach NC Real Estate

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:50:04 +0000

View Wrightsville Beach Listings

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or requests about Wrightsville Beach NC homes for sale or Wrightsville Beach NC real estate, or any location in the Cape Fear Region. We have lived here all our lives 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 Wrightsville Beach, there are still real deals in the great coastal area, but you will need a real estate expert to help you. Baker Wayne and Associates are experienced real estate professional’s who has decades of home buying and selling experience in the Wrightsville Beach area. For true local and knowledgable service in the Wrightsville Beach real estate market, contact our Team today.

The breathtaking island of Wrightsville Beach stretches four miles from Masonboro inlet on the south to Mason inlet on the north. The clear waters off Wrightsville Beach often resemble those of the Caribbean. The city limits of the town of Wrightsville Beach today encompass not only the barrier island but also Harbor Island and a small portion of mainland. Most of the early visitors were fishermen and hunters traveling to the Island by boat. Already the history of Wrightsville Beach, NC was being built on an appreciation of nature and Wrightsville’s bounty. You will truly be amazed at the sunrises on the Atlantic and calming sunsets on the Intracoastal Waterway. Wrightsville Beach, NC offers boating, surfing, fishing or simply true relaxation by the water’s edge. And best of all, Wrightsville Beach is accessible by I40 or our international airport in Wilmington, just minutes away. Wrightsville Beach has it all!

It is a great time to buy if you know where to look, as a real estate expert in the Wrightsville Beach market, we are here to help you find a great property at a great price, please contact us today for an up to date market report.

For all your Wrightsville Beach real estate needs, please give Baker Wayne and Associates a call at 910-202-3607 or email bakerwayneassociates@ec.rr.com

Moving? Smoothing the Way for Uprooted Children | Wilmington NC real estate

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:33:57 +0000

Wilmington NC real estate tips

If you’re moving with children, you may anticipate some (or a lot of) resistance. Take heart. You can make the uprooting and resettling more palatable by following a few of these suggestions:

Don’t jump to the conclusion that your children will, in fact, resist moving. They might surprise you and jump at the chance to make a new start. At any rate, don’t bring up the subject defensively. Deliver the news with a positive attitude.
If, however, the announcement causes real trauma, sympathize sincerely. Listen to the anticipated difficulties and search for solutions together.
Don’t disallow expression of those understandable feelings of hurt, anger and frustration. Instead, tactfully try to put a time lid on the emotional period. Let your kids know that you, too, feel sad and frustrated at times. Talk about how to deal with sadness and fear.
If possible, consider making your move during the school year. This will give your children a chance to make new friends immediately. Moving during the summer has advantages, too, but can proglong grieving many long, lonely months in a strange town – and increase the grieving about separation from old friends and former haunts.
Be as lenient as possible regarding long-distance calls to “back home.”
Enlist your children’s participation in the details of the move. Try to keep them from feeling they have no control over events.
Encourage your children to join groups, clubs and other organizations in the new location that are in line with their special interests.
Look for as many avenues of “adventure” as you can find to convince your children that doors are opening rather than closing. On house-hunting trips, bring back lots of photos, literature and brochures – especially about things they are concerned about. Better yet, take the children along on house-hunting trips, if possible.

Relocation can be difficult for the whole family. Let our professionals take care of the complicated details of buying or selling, while you take care of your family. E-mail us for the help you need to make family relocation a smooth move.

For more tips on finding the right schools for your children, read our special online report, HOME SEARCH 101: Tips For Locating The Right Schools. Just click the link to read it right away. And feel free to give us a call for any other information or assistance you may need.

Baker Wayne And Associates 910-202-3607 1001 Military Cutoff Wilmington, North Carolina 28405 bakerwayneassociates@ec.rr.com www.cbbaker.com

The Wilmington NC Real Estate Stats are UP!

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:25:39 +0000

The March Wilmington NC real estate statistical report has been released and all the numbers are up, except “Days On Market”. That is good news. We are getting into multiple offer situations which has not happened for years. If you are thinking about selling your home but have some concerns or questions about the market, give us a call. We would be happy to go over what has been selling in your neighborhood and in Wilmington NC in general. Thinking about moving up? Perfect time to do this. Here are the Statistics, just click on photo for full report.

www.cbbaker.com

Please feel free to visit our website for seller and buyer advice, as well as search the local Wilmington NC real estate market. You can search by map, schools, street, county, price and more. www.cbbaker.com

Geat An Early Start On Your Weekend | Early TGIF

wilmingtonncrealestateguide — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:41:45 +0000

TGIF Scoop

presented by Baker Wayne & Associates

Billy Baker Lisa Wayne Debi Byrd Robin Jones

Hello and Welcome to the TGIF Scoop.

If spring cleaning is on your to-do list, you’re not alone. A study conducted by International Communications Research for the Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) found that 66% of Americans regularly conduct spring cleaning. According to the survey of 1,000 American men and women, top priority goes to kitchens, living rooms, master bedrooms, and bathrooms.

Read Rest of Story Here…

The Party Has Started

Details Here….

Or Scan and take with you.

Bellydance Showcase

April 12 9:30 PM
Juggling Gypsy Entertainment Parlor

Art Opening: Ivey Hayes Retrospective

Details Here…

Fundraiser – Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour

April 12-14
10:00 – 4:pm
Details here….

Prom
April 11- 13 & 18-20 8:00 PM
April 14 & 21 2:00 PM
UNCW Cultural Arts Building

UNCW Deparment of Theatre

$5- $12

Joe DeRosa

Comdey
April 13 7:00 PM
Nutt Street Bar & Comedy Room

Azalea Festival Cole Bros. Circus
April 11- 14
Wilmington International Airport
Thursday and Friday: 4:30 and 7:30pm
Saturday: 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30pm
Sunday: 1:30 and 4:30pm

$20 – $28

17th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off

April 13 11:30 – 5 PM $5.00
Carolina Beach Lake Park

Fireworks Extravaganza
April 13, 2013
7:00 PM Full Buffet and Complimentary Drink
Fireworks 9:15 pm
Wilmington Water Tours – Downtown Waterfront

$50.00

Hobby Greenhouse Plant Sale
Forest Hills Hobby Greenhouse
April 12 – 14
Friday and Saturday: 9am to 6pm
Sunday: Noon to 5pm
2318 Metts Ave

Riverfront Farmers’ Market
Saturdays 8:00 – 1:00 PM

Popular Grove Farmers’ Market

Wednesday’s 8:00 -1:00 PM

GET MOVING!

Wrightsville Beach Loop – 2.45 miles

Gary Shell Cross-City Trail Autumn Hall trail finished!

Awesome – You need to Check it out

www.crosscitytrail.com

Halyburton Park

1.3 mile handicap accessible walking/bike trail

Run around the Smith Creek Park Lake

1.5 miles

or go kayaking and fishing

Gordon Rd. to Harris Rd. . Park on left.

Baker Wayne & Associates Blog

Wilmington NC Real Estate – cbbaker.com

MARKET SNAPSHOT

www.sharingourbounty.com
Visit Dowtown Wilmington

http://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/visit

TGIF Wine Tasting

April 12 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Taste The Olive
www.TastetheOlive.com
Free

Feel the need to help?

Step Up For Soldiers

www.stepupforsoldiers.org/

The Food Bank needs your donations.

www.foodbankcenc.org

The Miracle Network

http://www.miracleleaguewilm.org/donation

Wilmington Gives Back

Donate your time

www.wilmingtongivesback.org/

Wilmington NC Night Spots

Friday April 12

Tom Noonan, Jane Houseal- Costello’s Piano Bar

Liz Ulman – Goat and Compass

L Shaped Lot – Soapbox Up

Saturday April 13

Bibis Ellison- Palm Room

Michael Wolfe – Ted’s on the River

Irish Music – The Dubliner

Sunday April 14

Overtyme – Blue Water Grill

Queen Martha’s Garden Party Cookies
(recipe from CFGC’s newsletter)
1 box lemon cake mix (Duncan Hines)
2 cups cool whip
1 med. egg
2 tbs. lemon juice (bottled fine)

Mix all ingredients together. Put confectioners sugar on fingertips and make balls. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

mobile.cbbaker.com

Real estate on the go…

Open Saturday 12-3 PM

www.marshlandingplace.com

The Townes at Carleton

FROM 179,000 -

Call Robin Jones – On Site Agent

910-619-0491

details at www.thetownesatcarleton.com

Thinking of Selling?

To find out what your home is really worth…..

visit www.housevalueswilmington.com

Find your dream home at a price

you can afford.

www.dreamhomesofwilmington.com

FAST, EASY, AUTOMATIC and FREE!

Free list of homes with pictures delivered to your email.

www.cbbaker.com
We would like to personally thank you for your time and we hoped you’ve enjoyed hearing the Scoop.

Please feel free to pass this information along!

Tired of your Computer Not Working Right?

then fix it….

For all your Party Needs….

4013 Oleander Dr. 910-791-0024

www.partysuppliers.net

Shelton Metal

Colby S. Byrd, Metal Designer

www.sheltonmetal.weebly.com

Live Life Well

Bodies in Balance Physical Therapy

www.binbpt.com

910-398-6301

Call for Mortgage Quotes

Awesome Food and People

Keith and Angela Rhodes

http://catchwilmington.com/

Get out and dance! Great fun lessons by Verna

Ballroom – Latin – Swing – Waltz – Cha Cha

Rumba – Salsa – Tango – Shag/Swing

www.BallroomDanceSpotNC.com

910-799-2001

Need Automobile Work?

Trust Labriola’s Automotive

UTI Trained, Foreign, Domestic, A/C Testing & Repair

Diagnostics, Electronic Troubleshooting, Engine De-Carbon Service, Major or Minor Repair.

Owner: Brent Labriola 910-297-2590 brent@capefearauto.com

6506 Market St. Wilmington NC 28405

Great Family Skate Center

http://www.skatejellybeans.net/

910-508-6100 or podsenc@gmail.com

Call Blaine Daniel for quotes and possible discounts

Ever wish you had a PERSONAL ASSISTANT
— someone you could call on to accomplish
the day-to-day tasks and time consuming errands
that leave time for little else?

Well, now you have help..

Call Mary Cook Task Manager

801-455- 1721

SEA SALT BAKERY

Longtime Wilmington Chef David Herring has opened a new bakery in Hampstead called “Sea Salt” Wonderful muffins and baked goods and ‘SOUPS’ !

(910) 270-1407
17011 US Highway 17 N
Hampstead, NC 28443

Stress Free Dog Grooming

http://www.dogslifesalon.com/

Do you own a Historic House? In need of renovation?

Call David Thomas – Historic Specialist

910-520-0581

http://www.dptconstruction.com/

Brave battle fought Kimberly. We will miss you.

Have a great weekend!