Wilmington NC Real Estate Guide

The survey is in and there are some low cost renovations that you can do to your home that will bring you more money back at the closing table.  Before you start,  go around your house and your yard and take pictures that you think would look good when the house is listed.  Take a good look at these pictures and you can pick out the things that need to be changed.  Like they say: a picture is worth a 1000 words.  You will see things that you walk by everyday and do not even catch your eye…. but they will catch a potential buyers eye.  The results are interesting and can help you prepare your home for sale.  We can help you with each of these steps.

The marketing company surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals to discover which DIY home improvement projects give sellers the biggest return for their buck. Here are six projects under $1,000 (amounts are estimated) that made the list.

1. Cleaning and decluttering.Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.
   • $290 Cost
   • $1,990 Return
2. Brightening.Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.
   • $375 Cost
   •  $1,550 Return
3. Smart staging.Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.
   • $550 Cost
   • $2,194 Return
4. Landscaping enhancements.Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.
   • $540 Cost
   • $1,932 return
5. Repairing electrical or plumbing.Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.
   • $535 Cost
   • $1,505 Return
6. Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets.Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.
   • $647 Cost
   • $1,739 Return

Realtor Magazine : Excerpted from HomeGain’s 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey: www.homesalemaximizer.com.

Let us know if you would like help getting your home ready for the market.  That is our expertise and we love “before and after” photos!  www.cbbaker.com for all your Wilmington NC real estate needs.

Realtor.com announced that Wilmington NC was the 69th most searched market for real estate.  Realtor.com has it’s own statistics for searches performed.  The median price of homes were 239,900 which is a bit lower than 2010 but still a healthy average compared to the national average of 189,900.  Inventory levels are down from 2010 which could be in part to all the foreclosures that flooded the market last year. 

Kay Baker & Associates uses Realtor.com in their marketing plans by  showcasing our listings and we have 12 featured home  spots that will showcase our homes when someone types in the search criteria of “Wilmington NC”.  We feel that this increases the exposure of our listings tremendously.  If you are thinking about selling your home, let us show you our aggressive marketing plan.  Search all the Wilmington NC real estate listings on realtor.com and on www.cbbaker.com

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!

Wrightsville Beach is a hidden gem that we treasure for it’s clear crystal clear waters, quaint atmosphere and wonderful people.  With Banks Channel, ICWW and the Altlantic ocean at our fingertips what is there not to like.  Great restaurants, a couple of shops and fishing piers provide entertainment for all.  We are pleased to  share with you our newest waterfront listing just in case you are interested in Wrightsville Beach.

www.WrightsvilleBeachWaterfront.com

Spectacular dream home on Banks Channel with over 4100 sq. ft. of gorgeous living area. 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths in a well thought out open, floorplan with ELEVATOR. Incredible views await you from most every room including large decks from the owners suite and main living area. Vintage inspired kitchen w/bead board cabinets, Champaign and cream granite counters, kitchen island with built-in gas, downdraft cook top, and 2 raised breakfast bars. And a breakfast room with uninterrupted views of the channel and your private pier with floating dock and 2 boat lifts. One is a 13000 lb. lift for your fishing machine and the other a 3000 lb. lift for smaller pleasure craft. A recently new bulkhead was installed along the beautiful backyard with sod, knockout roses and other indigenous shrubs and bushes. The large owners suite has beautiful Brazilian Cherry floors and a fireplace that is shared with the spa like master bath offering unsurpassed views from the 2 man whirlpool and separate walk shower.

Over 4100 sq. ft. 5 BR, 4.5 bath dream home on Banks Channel with private pier, floating dock/gazebo and 2 boat lifts. Incredible Views. Prepare to stay awhile, because you have just found your new home.

Enjoy.

The State of the County address was given this week by Chairman Jonathan Barfield Jr. and the news was good.  After thanking all involved including the County and City staff, as it is a group effort to make this county a great place to live, Barfield said tough measures were taken to insure to maintain the quality of this area.  The 1/4 percent raise in sales tax last year helped maintain the county budget even though it was a hard tough decision to vote the increase in.  The schools, parks and core services were mentioned as projects that the county has paid particular attention to.  New Hanover counties credit rating is golden.  That will help this county move forward and continue to grow.  To read the whole address read more here….

To view the video click here.

The great town of Wilmington NC is what we call home and to say we of proud of our town, would be an understatement.  To view Wilmington NC real estate please visit www.cbbaker.com

Do you often think “I should be doing more for the community or my neighbors”? Well here is your chance.  112 Organizations are holding a Conscience Fair to give you a chance to match your skills and your passions with a community group.  Volunteers make up a huge part of our town and help make Wilmington NC a vibrant conciensious area.  Please consider giving of your time, to something that will help others and reward you richly.

The 2011 Starnews Media Conscience Fair is on Saturday February 5th from 10- 3:00 pm in the McKeithan Center at Cape Fear Community College North Campus.  These are some of the groups that will have tables at the event.  There will be a speaker from QENO on how to be an effective non profit board member.  If you only have an hour to give that is fine, every little bit helps. 

If you are a non profit that needs help, call Si and join in on the fair.

For more information contact Si Cantwell – si.cantwell@starnewsonline.com or 343-2364 or cell is 264-8388 or http://www.conscienceonline.com view slideshow

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)

The latest costs of living results have come out for Wilmington NC.  The 2nd quarter cost of living index dipped slightly below average according to the national ACCRA cost of living survey.  The results put Wilmington at 98.6, based on the national average index of 100.  The first quarter average was right at 100.0. 

The Cost of Living Index measure differences in costs of services and consumer goods for middle class standard of living.  314 urban areas in the US participated in the study.  The study is conducted over a 3 day period, covering 90,000 prices of 60 different items.   The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce posted the following chart detailing the scores compared to other Southern cities.

Click on chart for larger view.

Rendering by Creative Illustration Media, INC. LS&P Architects

Wilmington NC is going to get it’s own state of the art  Convention Center.  After waiting for approvals and site plans, an opening date has been set for the Historic Downtown Wilmington Convention Center on the Cape Fear River. 

The grand opening is set for Thursday January 13, 2011 at 9:30 am.  The public is invited and there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony with the mayor and other community leaders.  Following the ceremony, there will be a BizTech Expo with technology and business vendors.  On January 15 a black tie event will be held by the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, with proceeds benefiting the Cape Fear Future initiative.  

A couple of big companies have signed contracts to hold their conventions here for the next couple of years.  This will bring added revenue to Wilmington NC and expose our area and all it’s natural treasures and great Wilmington NC real estate opportunities.  

Please explore our website for the most up to date listings of all Wilmington NC real estate and waterfront properties.  www.cbbaker.com or call us and we will personally select properties that will fit your real estate needs or portfolio.

Wilmington NC Real Estate Homeowners

Starting April 5, 2010 the Government will be paying homeowners in default, to relocate. The new program will demand lenders to honor short sales whereby the homeowner can sell the property for less than the mortgage payoff. The Obama administration is trying a different approach to assist more than 5 Million households who are behind on their mortgages. In turn, the homeowner will receive $1500 for relocation assistance and the lender $1000 for expediting the short sale process.  

This arrangement could prove very beneficial to the homeowner, as they will not suffer further credit damage and they will get reassurance from the lender that they will not be sued for the balance. And, under this arrangement, the number of potential  foreclosed homes on the market should drastically decrease which in turn, should improve the  overall housing market.

Finally, short sales will have their day! If you are facing a foreclosure, and need assistance, we are specialists in the Wilmington NC real estate short sale and foreclosure market. We are there for you every step of the way. Just give us a call or email kaybaker@ec.rr.com.

And, if you are looking to purchase a short sale or foreclosure, we have you covered there, as well.  We have a Certified Distressed Property broker on our team and will help you with your short sale or  purchase a short sale or foreclosure with complete knowledge of the process.  Read more here