Summer Outdoor Activities at Mayfaire Town Center

Posted July 11, 2016 by Donald Howarth

Are you looking for things to do outside with your family this summer? If you are going to be in the Wilmington, NC area, look no further than Mayfaire Township. Offering shopping, dining, residential properties, movies, hotels and an office park this “go to” location has something for everyone including outdoor events.

Upcoming events include family oriented fun at Barnes & Noble. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. toddlers can participate in Toddler Storytime. Bring the entire family on Fridays at 7 p.m. for Family Storytime. Each Saturday at 11 a.m. there is a Special Storytime and each second Tuesday at 7 p.m. an American Girl Night. For those inspired by mystery a Magic House Night is offered each third Thursday of the month.

A community-wide event, Stuff the Bus, will be held August 5^th. Communities in Schools of Cape Fear will collect school supplies at Mayfaire Town Center in front of Regal 16 Cinema on August 5-6 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and again on August 7, 12-5 p.m.

UNCW University of North Carolina at Wilmington fans will enjoy UNCW Shopping Weekend August 13-14. Shops throughout Mayfaire will be offering special discounts for UNCW students.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mayfaire Town Center is hosting a Run for the Ta-Tas on Saturday, October 1 with registration beginning at 6:30 a.m. This Chaser Run is one of a kind in the Wilmington area. Music and entertainment will be provided.

Heart Association

The Cape Fear Heart Walk brings thousands to walk for funds supporting lifesaving education about heart disease and stroke research. The walk will take place on October 15th in the parking lot between the Macaroni Grill and Smokey Bones on International Drive. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

The Coastal Carolina Auto Show allows dealerships to showcase their new and exciting models. This year’s event is sponsored by StarNews Media and will be held across from Belk on October 22-23.

Mayfaire Town Center is a designation for fun and family. The convenience to the larger Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach area makes it an easy regular favorite of residents and guests. The Township also provides living, shopping and an office park area.

Enjoy living in the Mayfaire Township. There are several communities to choose from including homes such as 557 Garden Terrace Drive 205. When you are ready to view residential properties at Mayfaire, let us assist you as a Buyer’s Agent. Contact us for more information.

Buying and Selling Trends in Coastal North Carolina

Posted June 22, 2016 by admin

Which types of homes are selling well in 2016? What are the expectations for price growth in the future? What are Wilmington’s statistics as far as the local market is concerned?

Ken Kirkman, General Manager of Landfall Realty, Wilmington, NC discusses these topics and more during a Landfall property owners presentation in early 2016. Kirkman also talks about Wilmington’s latest development, River Lights. Brunswick County is spending millions in marketing the advantages of living in Brunswick County, but will their marketing efforts work? Watch the video to find out.

If you’re interested in the latest trends and how they affect you, contact Coastal Realty Connections for more information about buying and selling in Coastal North Carolina.

Keys to Buying and Selling Real Estate in 2016

Posted June 21, 2016 by admin

Is there hope for the growth of the real estate market? Should we be optimistic about the future of real estate? How does real estate relate to the 2016 presidential election?

In this video Ken Kirkman, General Manager of Landfall Realty in Wilmington, NC, answers these questions and more in a speech to Landfall property owners. For insights on the current sentiment and economic outlook for 2016, check out the full speech. For a free market analysis of buying or selling in our local market, contact Coastal Realty Connections today.

Tips for Listing Your Home

Posted June 20, 2016 by admin

In 2016, the real estate market has shifted once again, and sellers are finding more favorable conditions for listing their homes.

In this video Ken Kirkman, General Manager of Landfall Realty in Wilmington, NC, explains the ins and outs of the “seller’s market” in a speech to Landfall property owners. For tips on listing your home in 2016, check out the full speech. If you’re ready to list your home, contact Coastal Realty Connections and let us assist you in the process.

4th of July Festivities

Posted June 17, 2016 by admin

coastal-realty-conections-4th-of-july-events

It’s no surprise that coastal North Carolina shines in the summer. Between our beautiful beaches, historic cities, and bustling downtowns there’s always something to do, see, or celebrate. At Coastal Realty Connections, we make it our personal mission to fit as much excitement into our summers as possible and enjoy all our area has to offer. To help you do the same, we’re rounded up some of our favorite local events, including Fourth of July celebrations. Check them out and let us know how much fun you had!

Southport and Oak Island

Southport 4^th of July Festival

June 24—July 4, Southport Waterfront

The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport. For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation’s independence in a big way. Incorporated as the official North Carolina 4th of July Festival in 1972, this event focuses on honoring our nation’s birthday with a little fun thrown in. There are a number of events leading up to the main event, so check out their full schedule. The grand finale is a fireworks show on the 4^th, followed by a live band on the Waterfront Stage. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Wilmington

Wilmington 4^th of July Celebration

July 4, North Waterfront Park

Not to be outdone by Southport, Wilmington also hosts a fantastic festival for the Fourth. The party starts at 6pm and the fireworks begin lighting up the sky over the Cape Fear River at 9:05pm. For the best view, head to the North Waterfront Park, located at the foot of Harnett Street, and bring a lawn chair or a blanket so you can enjoy the show in comfort.

Port City Rib Fest

August 5—7, Corner of Cowan St & Nutt Street

In its inaugural year, the Port City Rib Fest drew a crowd of over 17,000 people from around the country to taste the nation’s best BBQ, and the fun has continued to grow! Held along the Wilmington riverfront, this three-day festival celebrates great BBQ and music. Enjoy not only ribs but beef brisket, chopped and sliced pork, chicken, sausages and a plethora of side items, desserts and drinks prepared Memphis-style, Chicago-style, Texas-style and more. You won’t find a more delicious festival in North Carolina!

New Bern

New Bern’s July 4^th Celebration

July 4, Lawson Creek Park

Each year for the Fourth, the city of New Bern hosts an afternoon full of fun, followed by a spectacular fireworks show. The event begins at 3pm with food vendors, kids’ games, music, and dancing, all leading up to the fireworks show, which starts at 9:15pm. This event is free and open to the public—enjoy!

The Glorious Fourth at Tryon Palace

July 4, 10am—4pm, New Bern

If you like your Fourth of July celebrations with a dose of history, stop by The Glorious Fourth celebration at Tryon Palace. This free event includes historical interpreters, games and crafts for all ages, exhibitions, music, access to the gardens, and a live reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Palace steps.

For more ideas to help you make the most of life in southeastern North Carolina, check our blog regularly. If you’d like to make a permanent home for yourself in this area, contact us today. Our team will help you find and buy your dream house, making it easy to enjoy these fabulous festivals and events all year long

House Prices are on the Rise – It’s Time to Buy!

Posted June 10, 2016 by Donald Howarth

Home Prices Up 5.67% Across The Country!

Some Highlights:

Across the country, home prices are up by 5.67%.
Each state is appreciating at a different rate, however, which is important to realize if you plan on relocating to a different state.
Regionally, prices have appreciated year-over-year by as high as 8.15%.

Let the Coastal Realty Connections team help you find your next real estate purchase. Contact us today. 910-279-9398.

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Pro

Posted June 7, 2016 by Donald Howarth

5 Reasons To Hire A Real Estate Pro

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO.

The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed but have rather been strengthened due to the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to recover.

1. What do you do with all this paperwork?

Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A true Real Estate Professional is an expert in their market and can guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a reality.

2. Ok, so you found your dream house, now what?

According to the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, there are over 230 possible actions that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, someone who knows what these actions, are to make sure that you acquire your dream?

3. Are you a good negotiator?

So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your home. However, after looking at the list of parties that you need to be prepared to negotiate with, you’ll realize the value in selecting a Real Estate Professional. From the buyer (who wants the best deal possible) to the home inspection companies, to the appraiser, there are at least 11 different people that you will have to be knowledgeable with and answer to, during the process.

4. What is the home you’re buying/selling really worth?

It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start to attract the right buyers and shorten the time that it’s on the market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home to give you the truth as to your home’s value. According to the National Association of REALTORS, “the typical FSBO home sold for $208,700 compared to $235,000 among agent-assisted home sales.”

Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional.

5. Do you know what’s really going on in the market?

There is so much information out there on the news and the internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively price your home correctly at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a low-ball offer?

Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring an agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying/selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line

You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted mechanic. Why would you make one of the most important financial decisions of your life without hiring a Real Estate Professional? Contact us today and let us help you buy or sell. 910-279-9398.

Honoring Our Military This Memorial Day

Posted May 31, 2016 by Donald Howarth

All Gave Some. Some Gave All.

Is it time to buy or sell my home?

Posted May 27, 2016 by Donald Howarth

New & Existing Home Sales Climb

Some Highlights:

Both New Home Sales and Existing Home Sales are up month-over-month and year-over-year.
Inventory remains low which continues to drive home prices up as demand continues to exceed the 4.7-month inventory.
The median price of new homes is up 12% from March 2015, while the median price of existing homes is up 6.3% from April 2015.

Take advantage of today’s market by contacting us. 910-279-9398.

Trust Matters

Posted May 26, 2016 by Donald Howarth

Unparalleled Trust Necessary Before Listing Your House

You and your family have decided to sell your house. It is now time to choose a real estate professional to help with the process. One of the major attributes this agent must possess is trustworthiness. To what degree do you need to trust them?

You must have enough trust in them that you feel comfortable they will accomplish all four things below:

1. Sell possibly the largest asset your family owns

In many cases, a home is the largest asset a family has. Studies have shown that the equity many families have in their home is the largest percentage of that family’s overall wealth.

2. Set the correct market value on that asset

Pricing is crucial even in the best of markets. You want to get the best price for your home without putting your house at a value that buyers will have little interest in.

3. Set the time schedule for the liquidation of that asset

Your family probably has a certain timetable for the sale of your house and the move into your next home. Coordinating the home selling process to meet certain schedules can be tricky.

4. Set a fair fee for the services required to liquidate that asset

You will need to pay a commission to an agent for selling the home and coordinating all elements of the selling transaction, including possible future negotiations (ex. with a home inspector or appraiser).

That’s a lot of trust. Let’s get together to discuss the difference hiring a true professional can make in the sale of your home. Contact us today