Studebaker John

The 16th annual Blues Festival is this weekend.  Everywhere around town, the Blues shall be heard… The kick off party is on the Henrietta III at 7:30pm Friday July 29.  There will be music on the dock by Rick Toby.  Catered heavy appetizer buffet, cash bar and a 2-hour sunset cruise along the historic Cape Fear River.  Tickets are available at Wilmingtontickets. Three different Blues Bands will perform on the cruise.  Post Cruise party at Rusty Nail.   For a full list of events and bands please visit www. capefearblues.org.  The weekend will be fun and eventful. Talent everywhere.

Studebaker John and the Hawks… listen here….

While you are in town, if you see real estate that interests you, let us know.  On your phone text 14059 to 44133 to search Wilmington NC real estate or go to www.cbbaker.com.  Have fun!

This time of year everyone is in a hurry trying to get all the shopping done, homes decorated and cards in the mail.  Take a minute to slow down.  Think of others and ask yourselves what you could do for someone else that might help them out at this time of year.  There are many organizations that need help, especially during the holidays. The feeling you get when you help someone else is the best present you could ever receive. So, here are just a few of the organizations that would love to hear from you.

Get involved in Wilmington volunteering!

• North Carolina Food pantries and Soup kitchens Wilmington Groups and Organizations
• Angel Food Ministries
• American Legion post locator
• American Red Cross – Local Chapter
• Chambers of Commerce in North Carolina
• Habitat for Humanity – Local Affiliates
• Jaycees
• Kiwanis clubs in North Carolina
• Lions clubs in North Carolina
• Meals-on-Wheels Volunteer
• Rotary clubs in North Carolina
• VA Facilities in North Carolina
• Veterans of Foreign Wars post locator
• Volunteer Opportunities for Wilmington, North Carolina
  • VolunteerMatch.org
  • ServeNet.org
• Non-profit Groups in Wilmington and North Carolina
  • MelissaData – Wilmington Nonprofit Organizations Lookup
  • GuideStar.org Search
  • Foundations in North Carolina
  • Community foundations (by state)

Wilmington NC Worlds Largest Christmas Tree | Star News Photo

The Worlds Largest Christmas tree lighting ceremony which has  been held every year since 1928 (except the one year during World War II), unfortunately will not be held this year.  The tree will be lit, but there will not be a ceremony and access to the tree  will be limited.  The age and health of the tree has been a concern in prior years.  The City of  Wilmington is doing renovations at the Sweeney plant next to the tree, and these are safety concerns as well.  To upgrade and accommodate changes to make the area around the tree safe is not in the City budget.

So, we will have to view the tree from afar, and visit the new tree and Santa’s house on the downtown Wilmington NC riverfront.  This new tree will be lit at 5:45  – Friday November 26, 2010 at 5:45 Riverfront Park.  Maybe next year tree will make another grand appearance.  Until then, we can still say Wilmington NC has the “Worlds Largest Christmas tree” but with a quiet ceremony.

If you are in town and want to search Wilmington NC real estate – visit www.cbbaker.com/

The National Association of Realtors have released their “For the Record” Nov/Dec 2010 issue of Real Facts about NC real estate.  Topics covered were Economy, Homeownership and Foreclosures.

NC unemployment rate has dropped steadily with NC being 3rd for declining rates.  September retail sales rose for the 3rd straight month.  Housing starts hit a 5 month high in September, 4.1% higher than September 2009.  Foreclosure rates fell and the NC Foreclosure Prevention Fund assistance will start being available in December to struggling homeowners.  Read more here…

To view the home pictured please visit www.AskMeAboutWilmington.com

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.

Now is the time to buy! There are great loans available under 5% and  some are 100% financing. First time home buyers can receive $7500 tax credit! In addition, there is a proposal in Congress for all home buyers to receive a $15000 home credit!

Wilmington NC Real Estate Priced Under $100 Ft.

Take a look at these homes in Wilmington, NC that are priced under $100 per foot. Remember, most homes in the Wilmington area are priced well above that range. I have also attached a list of corporate owned homes that are a great buy. So, no need to sit and wait for a short sale, these homes are available now! Also, if you would like a detailed list of the best buys at the beaches, we will be happy to provide that, as well.  Just feel free to email me at kay@cbbaker.com or call me at 910-202-3607 or 1-800-497-7325 ex. 3607 or my mobile 910-232-0363. We would be happy to represent you as a buyer’s agent and show you any of these fine homes.  And, as always, you can search for all Wilmington NC real estate right here on my website. www.cbbaker.com

My TGIF Scoop of weekly events in Wilmington NC

2)   Sell your present home first – Contingency offers are not at all appealing to most sellers. The seller has to typically wait until your house sells before he gets his money. Therefore, the seller is not willing to negotiate with you. So, either wait for your home to sell or get preapproved for a bridge loan in the event your home does not sell. Chances are pretty good that you may sell your present home before your closing on the new home.
3)    Hire a top notch buyer’s agent – You need a knowledgeable Realtor with local expertise in the market place. You Realtor will work on your behalf and negotiate the best price and terms for you. In addition, your expert Realtor will assist with the home inspection, appraisal, and closing details.
4)    Decide where you want to live – Remember the old saying “location, location, location, well it still remains high on the home buying list. You really need to study the neighborhoods , schools , proximity to work etc before making the final decision on your favorite neighborhood. Again, your buyer’s agent is a valuable asset in gathering information for you.
5)    Search for homes online. There are many websites now that potential home buyers can search all homes on the market by price, neighborhood , schools , zip code, and maps. If you do your own preliminary searching it will save you a lot of time. You can actually ride by the homes that you like and take a look at the neighborhood to see if that is really where you would like to live.
6)    Look at vacant and distressed Properties – Vacant properties often signal a motivated seller. The seller has probably moved out of town and often times is carrying two mortgages. Often properties that are in need of repair are overlooked because most buyers can not appreciate the potential. Maybe all it needs is a little paint and carpet. We call these properties a “diamond in the rough”.
7)   Foreclosures and short sales – Have your buyer’s agent research all the foreclosures and short sales in your price range and location desired. Again, these can sometimes be bargain priced. Typically, they are bank owned and these days banks are pretty motivated to get them off the books.
8)    Do your research -Ask your buyer’s agent for detailed information on the properties that you are interested in. You want to request a history on each property to see how long they have been on the market, price reductions, sold data, tax data, survey, and covenants and restrictions for the neighborhood. And be sure to get sold information for all properties in each neighborhood that you have interest in.
9)    Don’t make your first offer the best one – Leave yourself some negotiating room in the event the seller counters your offer, which is typically what takes place. Determine the maximum amount that you are willing to pay to calculate your first offer. Again, your Realtor can advise you.
10)    Meet the Sellers closing date – Many sellers have various personal reasons for a particular closing date and if you are willing to work with them, you may get a better price.

To search for homes by price, schools, neighborhoods, maps and more, just log on to my comprehensive website at www.cbbaker.com.

Now is the time to buy! There are great loans available as low as 6% and some are 100% financing. First time home buyers can receive $7500 tax credit!

Homes in Wilmington, NC Priced Under $100 Ft.

Take a look at these homes that are priced under $100 per foot. Remember, most homes in the Wilmington area are priced well above that range. I have also attached a list of corporate owned homes that are a great buy. So, no need to sit and wait for a short sale, these homes are available now! Also, if you would like a detailed list of the best buys at the beaches, we will be happy to provide that, as well.  Just feel free to email me at kaybaker@seacoastrealty.com or call me at 910-202-3607 or 1-800-497-7325 ex. 3607 or my mobile 910-232-0363. We would be happy to represent you as a buyer’s agent and show you any of these fine homes.  And, as always, you can search for all Wilmington NC homes right here on my website.

My TGIF Scoop of weekly events in Wilmington NC

View Listings Homes priced under $100 ft

View Listings Townhomes priced under $100 ft.

View Listings Corporate Owned Properties

View Listings Corporate Owned Properties Brunswick