Southport Real Estate, mangaves, Coastal Realty, Coastal Realty Connections.
Move over Man Caves, “She Sheds” are taking storm now! Alright ladies, if you’ve just about had it with the man cave trend that’s been taking the industry by storm the last few years, it’s time to put your foot down and demand your very own space. And no, we’re not talking about your bedroom sanctuary that hosts a reading nook where you can go to escape the daily grind and lose yourself in a good book. We’re talking “she sheds.”
It may sound silly, but she sheds are popping up in backyards across the nation as women look outside the confines of their own home for a space that’s all theirs. It’s the (totally acceptable?) grown up version of claiming a space and then posting a ‘no boys allowed’ sign prominently on the door.
Much like pub sheds, “she sheds” are the latest craze in the battle to add a touch of personality to any and every space. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil environment to practice yoga, a quiet space to work on your writing or just a place to get away from the stresses that come with your day-to-day routine, “she sheds” run the gamut from rustic to extravagant.
Need a little inspiration? Check out the pictures that we found on the Lighter Side of Real Estate site and start planning what your “she shed” will look like today!
Contractors have built about 150 feet of Bald Head Island’s terminal groin, an arm-shaped pile of giant rocks designed to trap sand and reduce erosion on South Beach.
Crews are digging a 32- to 40-foot-wide trench in the sand, then placing rock-filled geotextile mattresses on the leveled surface. After that, they’re stacking large boulders on the specially constructed mattress pads.
Work is going slowly because the contractors have to pump water from the excavation and make sure the construction area is perfectly flat and at exactly the correct elevation, said Chris McCall, shoreline protection manager and assistant village manager.
“The terminal groin is moving along,” McCall said. “They are putting the rocks in place.” Orion Marine Group crews place a six-by-20-foot mattress on the construction centerline, then place additional pads on each side of the center mattress.
The mattresses go down first so that the heavy boulders won’t subside into the sand.
McCall said the crew was averaging eight to 10 mattresses a day. They are staging mainland operations just east of American Marine Co. on the Intracoastal Waterway at Oak Island.
When finished, the terminal groin will be 1,300 feet long and reach into the Atlantic about 300 feet. It is designed to capture some, but not all, of the sand that washes by in the longshore current.
Four community-based terminal groins are allowed in North Carolina under a 2011 law. Other beaches seeking to build groins are Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and Figure Eight Island.
Construction is expected to wrap up in October. Technicians will monitor the groin’s performance for at least two years before the project engineer decides whether to add another 600 feet to the structure.
The Association of Brunswick County Realtors’ President, Bruce Williams, released information today indicating an upswing in the real estate market for Brunswick County. Information shows positive year-over-year changes for key market indicators. See below for a copy of the information.
BCAR Report
February 2015
Last year saw an overall uptick in the single-family residential real estate market in Brunswick, Columbus and Bladen Counties. The number of single-family units sold increased across the region. In the Brunswick County MLS the number of single-family units sold but dropped slightly, but the number of listings and the total sales volume increased. The average sale price increased in the three counties, while the number of distressed sales dropped by a third.
Overall, the single-family residential real estate market is trending upward in Brunswick, Columbus and Bladen Counties.
William “Woody” Hall, senior economist at University of North Carolina Wilmington, predicts the Wilmington area will grow 3.5% this year and 3.8% in 2016. According to an article printed in the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, 3% is a key figure as it is the rate the economy needs to grow to keep the unemployment rate stable. Mr. Hall has been a senior economist for 41 years at UNCW.
The growth prediction is good news for the Wilmington area. His evaluation of the economic condition from the local economic indicators he uses show that with the exception of airport passenger traffic, there is a good outlook for 2015 – unemployment, residential real estate, retail sales, tourism and State Port activity show signs that the sectors have fully recovered or are on their way back from the Great Recession that crippled the economy about seven years ago.
Hall maintains that retail sales and tourism have rebounded completely from what was considered one of the worst economic downturns since The Great Depression. Furthermore in an economic outlook for 2015 released by a Wells Fargo analyst indicate recovery is gradually building with areas such as Raleigh and Charlotte leading the way. Asheville, Wilmington and Durham were specifically mentioned as growing areas. Most other areas in the state will grow at a slower pace than the stars mentioned above, according to the analyst.
A number of factors will contribute to the continual growth one of which is the possibility of increased interest rates. Taking advantage of the growing economy to purchase property now may save buyers increased interest rates and guarantee buyers a better selection of properties. As the economy continues to improve real estate “deals” of the past seven years are disappearing. Let us at Coastal Realty Connections help you take advantage of today’s market!
Driving into a neighborhood on a beautiful blue-sky day with the windows down you may smell freshly cut grass, feel the gentle breeze, and see attractive, well-maintained homes as well as friendly neighbors waving “hello.” This may be your expectation of the perfect neighborhood. But even if you experience what you hope for on the day you visit a real estate listing for sale, it is wise to understand, research and follow up on additional variables that make the neighborhood either a good fit or bad match for your overall happiness and long-term best interests.
With the purchase of a new home, you are buying more than a house. You are buying the lifestyle that comes with the neighborhood you choose. Multiple neighborhood factors deserve attention before you select a specific home. Do your homework and you increase your odds of making smart choices. Cut corners and you are setting yourself up for costly mistakes.
Balance and Prioritize Your Expectations
Finding your perfect neighborhood is actually a key piece of a larger puzzle. How to Install Exodus on kodi
Without the rest of the puzzle pieces clearly defined, finding your perfect neighborhood, and ultimately your perfect home, becomes a random series of property searches that likely wastes both your time and money.
Clearly, smart home buying decisions start with a smart home buying plan. Start your smart home buying plan by defining the four following factors, which can then be balanced and prioritized into finding your perfect neighborhood:
Lifestyle goals –Do you prefer close and convenient proximity to work, recreation, shopping, schools and dining or are you are willing to drive a little further? Do you prefer an active urban lifestyle or suburban lifestyle that offers more privacy and wide-open spaces? Do you want low maintenance or do you enjoy completing projects around the house?
Home features – Think about the kitchen, flooring, stairs, number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Is a spectacular view or fenced yard important to you? Do you prefer new construction or are you okay with a property someone else has lived in? Make a list of the important features of a home and prioritize into “Must Have,” “Nice to Have,” and “Unacceptable” categories.
Financial goals and resources – Buying a home is a big purchase and a big decision. More than just the price of the home, the cost of mortgage interest as well as various responsibilities of homeownership such as taxes, maintenance and repairs, must all be carefully considered. In turn, the investment potential for value appreciation should also weighed into your analysis.
Buying timeframe – How soon do you plan to buy? Do you need to sell first? Are there other variables that must be in place before you can even start looking? Also, try to project how long you will live in your new home. Although it is impossible to predict the future, an awareness of your plans will help you in finalizing your priorities and making smart choices
Twelve Criteria for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood
Below are 12 criteria to include in your home buying priority list. Reviewing each and determining which have the greatest significance to you will allow you to narrow your search, and gain the peace of mind in knowing that when you come across the “perfect home,” it will be a neighborhood that meets your lifestyle goals as well.
1. Choose a Neighborhood Personality that Matches your Preferences
We are often drawn to particular people by their looks – but developing a deep, mutually beneficial relationship usually goes well beyond appearances. A good match is often more about personality, the way someone acts and reacts, what they do with their time and how they do it, the things they enjoy and dislike, as well as their priorities, goals and aspirations.
In the same way, a neighborhood has a personality, and once you transition from being a home buyer to a homeowner, the neighborhood’s personality directly impacts your lifestyle. Experiencing that personality means going to the neighborhood park, golf course, pool or community center to view or participate in the activities and evaluate the resources and amenities. Eat in the restaurants, shop in the stores, drive and walk through the streets. When you visit, you will notice the friendly wave of residents walking their dogs or working in a nicely maintained yard. Understanding a neighborhood’s personality is a critical step in making a smart home buying decision.
2. Matching your Expectations to the Neighborhood’s Physical Characteristics
Is the terrain hilly or flat – for walking, running or cycling? Are there sidewalks and street lights? Is the architecture and home designs to your liking? Is the property on city water and sewer or well water and septic? In addition, the upkeep of the neighborhood will significantly impact your home’s resale value, as well as how you feel about your surroundings. If you are looking in a particular price range, be sure to draw comparisons from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Some neighborhoods with a homeowners association (HOA) have firm building codes as to the size, architectural attributes and yard upkeep, making the homes more similar in style and appearance. Communities without an HOA may be more charming in the variety of homes and architecture, yet may have more risk in terms of how your neighbors maintain their property. Other HOA factors may include regulations for storage of additional vehicles such as boats and RV’s, as well various onsite improvements to your property. Annual HOA fees and special assessments must also be carefully reviewed. Our knowledable agents can help you evaluate the pros and cons of your short-list.
3. Grading the Educational System
Children, if you have them, or plan on starting a family, obviously play a big part in your home buying decision. Some public schools can be highly rated and others can fall short of what you expect. If you prefer to send your children to a private school, access to that school may be a determining factor in where you live.
Whether public or private, the proximity and quality of a neighborhood’s schools can make a difference in your lifestyle, as well as the resale value of the home.
4. Beach, Parks and Recreational Opportunities
Most people enjoy some form of recreation, whether at a gym, participating in outdoor sports or exploring a hike-and-bike trail. When recreation is a key priority for you, observe what amenities are readily available in a particular neighborhood. Walking, running, biking, golf, swimming and tennis are a few activities in which many people participate. If these amenities are noted in the neighborhood description and you intend to pursue them, be sure to evaluate whether or not the facilities are in good condition. Is there more than one tennis court if you play regularly? How close are you to the beach? Does the nearest beach have public access and ample parking? Is parking at the local beach complimentary or is there a fee?
In addition to your needs, consider your children as well. Are the streets flat enough or is there an area where your child can learn to ride a bike or engage in biking if it is a favorite pastime? Is there a community park where they can enjoy outdoor activity while meeting other neighborhood children? Does the park have shade for you? Obviously, you may have your own pool or backyard playscape for your children so you may not need these, but be sure to include it on your priority list if it’s important.
5. Menu of Dining Options
Eating out can be fun, and is often necessary with today’s busy lifestyles. When you choose your new home, your need for nearby restaurants will depend on your routine. Picking up food near the office on the way home from work can be a viable option, but it’s also nice to take your spouse, family or visitors for a good meal at a local eatery.
Do your research on the types of restaurants that are close by. Do they suit your lifestyle? It may be that there are only chain restaurants and you prefer dining at a neighborhood treasure known for its signature dishes or uniquely fresh food. Alternatively, it could be the opposite and you enjoy a Starbucks coffee, a McDonald’s breakfast or an Italian feast at the Olive Garden on a regular basis.
6. Quality and Proximity of Shopping and Local Businesses
Convenience and quality may be considered equal when you need an onion for your stew or an excellent bottle of wine. When setting your priorities for which neighborhood you choose, be sure to visit or at least make note of the grocery stores, the dry cleaners and other businesses that offer the products and services that you make use of on a regular basis. Observe whether your favorite chain of grocery, convenience store or gas station is in the vicinity, and if not, visit the existing store or service in the area.
The service industry, including hair and nail salons, attorneys, pet services and banking is another resource you can investigate. You may prefer a more intimate shopping experience with custom clothing and accessories, gift items and sporting equipment than a mall or other superstore may offer. A neighborhood bordered by shopping centers may be the perfect place for one home buyer, yet a negative aspect for another
7. Entertaining Possibilities
Enjoying your lifestyle may mean venturing out for a movie or live music and possibly dancing. Austin, well known for its live music, offers venues all over town. Indoor and outdoor locations provide live entertainment ranging from country music to contemporary hip-hop. A neighborhood nearby to outdoor live music may not be as appealing to some, especially with the increased traffic concern, but others may enjoy the free concert. Explore this and other potential entertainment options, including movie theaters.
8. Overall Proximity Preferences: How close do you want to be?
While location is touted as the most important aspect of choosing a home or neighborhood, individuals have their own perception of location and what is imperative. The school district will determine certain aspects of a location, but often there are several neighborhoods to decide on from within an Independent School District.
If school is not high on your priority list, other factors may be its proximity to downtown or the airport, work, family or medical facilities. Would you want to stay in that neighborhood if your job moved you farther out? Shopping and dining preferences may also play a factor in the location of the neighborhood.
9. Getting there – Road Status and Drive Times
In our modern world of nearly every household possessing one, two or three cars, the condition of the roads and their capacity to handle the traffic make an impact. We can help answer your questions about traffic patterns during our time together.
Public transportation is available in some parts of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties. Biking in cities like Southport and downtown New Bern & Southport is an easy way to get around.
10. Safety First
A low crime rate, low incidence of accidents, and how well neighbors watch out for each other defines a community as being safe. Neighborhood Watch plans, a crime prevention program that stresses education and common sense in crime prevention exist all over Austin. Even a community that does not have such a plan in place may employ other methods to stop crime. A gated community offers an additional assurance of safety and is an amenity to consider when choosing a neighborhood.
11. Healthy Choices
Whether you or a household member needs frequent care, an occasional check-up or emergency care, it’s reaffirming to know that you can access quality care in the neighborhood. Knowing that there is a nearby dermatologist for your teenage daughter or an emergency clinic for your accident-prone son may help determine the neighborhood you choose. You may also desire a dentist, orthodontist, optometrist or chiropractor close enough for easy appointments.
For retirees if staying plugged into work is important find out if there are social needs that your expertise can be used to promote, such as tutoring, Habitat for Humanity programs, local food pantries or other things that will keep motivated and having fun.
12. Cultural Pursuits
The cultural amenities of a neighborhood itself may be limited, but having venues and institutions nearby that educate, uplift and inspire is a valuable convenience. Whether you enjoy live performances of the symphony or an excellent play or musical at the local theater, can impact your list of options. In the same vein of culture are science, history and art museums, as well as libraries and houses of worship. For your priority list, it’s important to note which specific cultural amenities you wish to pursue, and map them out as to where they are in relationship to the neighborhoods you are considering. Many community colleges offer year-around cultural events.
Find Your Perfect Neighborhood
When searching for the perfect neighborhood, keep track of your comparisons so you can evaluate the volume of material more clearly. It’s exhausting to view several areas and nearly impossible to remember the features of each at the end of the day. Also, priorities can change. If you initially established that a golf course community was what you wanted, yet the only location you found in your price range was unacceptable for other reasons, maybe another home with a golf club less than five miles away will be appealing. In other words, first defining, and then adjusting priorities as you search the market is the key to finding the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood.
Begin your search here and contact us for personalized support in finding the best neighborhood and price.
In most parts of the country, winter is a slower time for real estate sales. Buyers hibernate, inventory shrinks, and sales languish.
Selling a home in winter can be a bit more challenging, but don’t panic. With a few winter-specific selling tips in your pocket, you’ll be able to put the best face on any winter listing.
Tip #1: Display the year-round beauty of your listing.
Include photos of your listing at prettier times of the year.
Landscaping typically doesn’t look its best during the winter months. Lawns are brown, trees are bare, and shrubs are shriveled.
Give buyers a sense of the year-round beauty of your listing. Display spring, summer and fall photos of your listing along with your open house marketing materials. Would-be buyers won’t want to see the inside of your home if the outside isn’t appealing. So sellers need to make sure their property projects a warm and inviting feeling. So repaint the front door, trim hedges, blow the leaves and plant some winter flowers for added curb appeal.
Tip #2: “Warm and cozy” is key.
Turn on the heat, and use throws and area rugs to instantly warm a room.
Stepping from the winter chill into a warm, snug home will result in sighs of relief. Stepping into a drafty, unheated space will result in sighs of annoyance.
Create a warm and welcoming ambiance to encourage the right buyer reaction:
Set the thermostat to a comfortable level (between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
Don’t start a fire (for safety reasons), but do highlight a functional fireplace.
Open shades and blinds to let in natural light and warmth.
Seal window and door cracks.
Add snuggly throws to seating areas.
Tip #3: Let it shine.
Leave the lights on.
With the days growing shorter, sellers need to be mindful of keeping their home well-lit even when they aren’t present. Lights on timers are ideal for homes that are empty or for the early evening hours when the seller may not be at home. Make it as light as possible so that it is engaging and inviting drawing in prospective buyers.
Tip #4: Remember that lending will still be tight this winter.
Tight lending standards will limit the buyer pool.
Most industry experts agree that conventional lending standards will remain tight over the winter. The average conventional purchaser maintained a FICO score of 762, and a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 79 percent in September, 2012. Those impressive figures indicate that less-perfect borrowers will have a hard time obtaining conventional financing.
Keep the tight lending climate in mind when pricing and marketing your winter listings.
Tip #5: Use a smaller inventory to your advantage.
Thinner inventory could work in your favor.
Inventory often shrinks during the winter. With fewer houses on the market, it’s easier to give your listing a comparative advantage.
Review comps and make a list of your home’s unbeatable features. Is your house the only one in its price range with a fireplace? Is your listing the only home available within a preferred school district?
Unique features can be tough for buyers to notice on their own, so don’t be hesitant to boast your listing’s greatness. Those distinct advantages could make the difference between a winter sale and a winter slump.
We look forward to working with our owners in 2015. Stay warm this winter!
A recent Reuters article described the single-family housing market enjoying a steady, gradual rise. Permits for single- and multi-family homes are the highest they’ve been since 2008. CLICK HERE to read the article.
Let Coastal Realty Connections help you make the most of the increasing market. Contact us for your buying or selling needs.
Buyers often wonder should they take the time to stage their home before listing it for sell. Staging your home has been shown to help your home sell more quickly! Buyers are more motivated to consider purchasing a home that suits their family size, budget, and location requirements, but also one that appeals to their senses.how to repost pictures on instagram What will buyers see, learn about the seller, smell, hear, and touch when they tour your home for the first time? Will the buyer be able to imagine themselves in the home surrounded by their favorite belongings? Sometimes too many personal items may lend the buyer to create an awareness of your personality versus allowing them the freedom to imagine the space with theirs.
Contrary to what you may have heard, staging your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Sure, you can hire a decorator or invest in new furniture or renovations. However, if you’re like many sellers high-end staging may not be in your plan or be affordable.
That’s why we have put together the best staging tips for the do-it-yourselfer. The list has been useful to sellers.
Home Staging: The Ten Best Do-It-Yourself Tips for $100 Or Less:
Say Good Bye to Clutter! The most important thing you can do to prepare your home for sale is to get rid of clutter. Take a hard look at what you have and ask yourself what you can live
without. What kitchen appliances are you not using that can be stored and which family pictures can you temporarily pack away?
Potted Plants, small or large, are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to create visual appeal.
Home Fragrance such as scented candles, sprays, and plug-in type fragrance gadgets in delicate scents can work wonders.
Steam Cleaning, rather than investing in a professional service, rent the machine for one day, and rejuvenate carpets and drapes.
Baskets and Decorative Containers can help organize scattered items and eliminate clutter.
Light Bulbs and Dimmer Switches – Brighten dark areas and rooms or soften harsh light with dimmers and the newer soft light bulbs.
Paint over unusual colors or update stark white walls with a contemporary neutral tone.
Fresh Flowers and fruit – Inexpensive arrangements in vases you already own look beautiful and will smell naturally fresh and fruit displayed in a nice bowl look inviting.
Throw Pillows will instantly update an old sofa or chair or make a plain bed look luxurious.
Housekeeping service can be costly, but hiring one for a day or a few hours is affordable-and it’s worth it to make a kitchen, windows and bathroom shine.
Once you stage your home you can feel confident when you are away and a Broker shows up to show your home , the buyer we see the potential and imagine their affects in the space.
If you’re searching for a home in Southport, NC, then look no further! Coastal Realty Connections, an experienced real estate firm specializing in coastal North Carolina properties, has just the home you’ve been waiting for. We are in love with this beautiful home at 5952 Dutchman Creek Road, and we’d like to take a moment to share a few of its finest features with you all.
Located in the waterfront Indigo Plantation & Marina community, this home is chocked full of southern, coastal charm. It features panoramic views of Dutchman Creek, and a spacious, private lot with mature landscaping. The two-acre marina provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf Stream. The community also offers a clubhouse, pool, tennis courts and other amenities for homeowners in the area.
Quick Facts
Lot Size: 0.47 Acres estimated
Square Feet: 2,501 estimated
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Year Built: 1990
Price: $595,000
Interior Features
This home features carpet, ceramic tile and hardwood floors, with the living and dining areas, kitchen and master suite situated on the first floor. (The spacious master bath is to die for—complete with a double vanity, whirlpool tub and glass shower!) The upper floor boasts two bedrooms, one bathroom and a study area with ample storage. There is also a basement, for more storage, as well as a recreational room. The living area is the perfect gathering place for family and friends, featuring a cathedral ceiling, fireplace with gas logs and spectacular water views through the french doors and large windows.
Exterior Features
This property’s new homeowners will enjoy a large, fenced-in backyard—perfect for ensuring children and pets are always close by! From the first floor of the home, you can step out onto to an open deck, spacious screened-in porch and a relaxing sunroom! It’s the perfect place to sit back and enjoy beautiful marsh views over coffee in the morning.
Check out the full listing to learn more about 5952 Dutchman Creek Road. And if you’re interested in exploring this fantastic property in person, contact Coastal Realty Connections to schedule a showing!
A great time to be in Southport, NC is during one of the Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce’s events. This weekend join 1,000 for a popular fishing competition. Thirty-four years ago a small group of community leaders met and decided that they needed an event to showcase the great fall fishing Southport-Oak Island area has to offer. The prizes and expenses for the first tournament were guaranteed by those community leaders signing a promissory note at a local financial institution – thus the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament was born. The U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament now attracts almost 400 boats annually and is held in high esteem by the community and anglers.
