http://jpeterken.seacoastrealty.com/blog/categoryname_real-estate/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Right between North Carolina’s famed Cape Fear River and the inner bank beaches in the southeastern part of the state lies the charming, historic port city of Wilmington, an untapped wonder of a town that’s seeing one of the greatest population booms in the nation.With its great weather, natural beauty on all sides and a relatively inexpensive cost of living, Wilmington has been attracting seasonal visitors, second-home vacationers, property investors and permanent residents since the 1990s.A Look at WilmingtonAs the only substantially-sized city on the North Carolina coast, Wilmington is an eclectic mix of grand old Southern mansions, charming cottages, gleaming condos and beautiful homes. It features its own seaport, international airport, a local University of North Carolina campus and myriad technical schools, community colleges and other educational facilities. Already considered a rare breed among travel destinations due to the variety of world-class golf courses, shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues, it boasts a lively art and theater scene, splendid gardens, museums and Civil War sites, Naval battleships, deep sea fishing and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.The population of about 116,000 is diverse and culturally rich, all contributing to Wilmington’s unique atmosphere. Wilmington is primarily a white-collar city, with more than 85 percent of the workforce employed in white-collar jobs – well above the national average. Overall, Wilmington is a city of professionals, sales, office workers and service providers. Not being a huge metropolis is one of the characteristics that allows Wilmington to keep its Southern charm and small-town feel, although the city offers a huge range of diversions, professional and personal opportunities and amenities to both its residents and the thousands of visitors and vacationers who descend upon the area beaches every year. Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach are all within a 25-minute drive of each other and minutes from Wilmington.Location, Location, LocationWhether you’re interested in living downtown, immersing yourself in the historic district, enjoying the countryside or taking advantage of the serene or active lifestyle the local beaches offer, the greater Wilmington area offers a wealth of homes at reasonable prices. DowntownWilmington City offers a wide variety of architectural styles and sizes in homes – from cozy one-bedroom cottages to larger family-size properties, townhouses and condos. When compared to similar homes in cities of about the same size, the savings in Wilmington are impressive. For example, a two-bedroom, one-bath home in downtown Wilmington offers almost 800 sq. ft. for about $106,000. In Charleston, S.C., a comparable home in that city’s downtown area will cost more than $380,000. Both homes are in great locations, close to local amenities and the historic districts. The cities are almost even in population, but real estate is at a premium in Charleston.Historic HomesWilmington’s historic district not only features one-hundred-year-old oak-lined streets, the famed one-mile-long Riverwalk is minutes away, which is home to many boutiques, eclectic shops and vibrant nightlife venues. Living along the elegant streets of the historic district also allows you to enjoy fresh local seafood and regional specialties at more than 40 locally owned restaurants and pubs any night of the week.If the thought of living in a restored 19th century home on a cobblestone street appeals to your sense of history, a number of lovely homes in Wilmington’s historic district are just waiting for your finishing touches. Live in a classic 3 to 6 bedroom Southern home updated with the latest in modern day amenities, but retaining the original architectural beauty of 9-foot ceilings with crown moldings, multiple fireplaces, original wood flooring and magnificent Southern porches.In Wilmington, you can live that dream in a lovely updated 1895 home offering 2,344 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home for under $430,000. In the historic district of Savannah, Ga., a 2,002 square foot single family home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms starts at nearly $700,00.Townhomes and CondosBusinesses of all sorts are booming in Wilmington. Some of the top employers include the New Hanover Health Network, General Electric, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Verizon Wireless. The jobs that these and other companies provide naturally attract young singles and couples to the area. Not everyone wants a house with a picket fence, but luckily there’s a wide selection of townhomes and condos within minutes of Wilmington downtown and the area beaches, offering new residents the best of both worlds.There are no size constrictions when it comes to condo living in Wilmington – whether you prefer a simple, yet tastefully appointed loft or a comfortable two-bedroom townhome within easy proximity to your job or interests, Wilmington has both and more at reasonable prices. These low maintenance units, which offer yard service and community amenities, are much less expensive than a traditional single family home.For example, a centrally-located 2-bedroom, 3-bath, 1,345 square foot townhouse in Wilmington will cost far less at $105,000 than a 2-bedroom, 2-bath, 1,224 square foot townhome in Virginia Beach, VA, which starts at $170,000. Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a wide variety of homes for everyone. From first time home buyers to people looking for a place to retire or invest, the North Carolina coast provides you with a value that is hard to find anywhere else.  http://jpeterken.seacoastrealty.com/blog/1943/single-family-homes-in-wilmington-offer-some-of-the-best-value-on-the-coast/ Tue, 31 May 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage is proud to announce the following “Best of the Best” award winners. These sales associates and teams excelled during the 1st quarter of 2016 as the top producers for the #1 real estate company in Southeastern North Carolina.Wilmington OfficeGruner Residential   Jessica Edwards & AssociatesTeam Gale    Jennie Stevens TeamThe Cameron TeamJennifer FarmerHolly Overton Marketing GroupCynthia Strickland TeamChris Baynes & AssociatesThe Fortunato TeamBrett Knowles TeamSherwood Strickland GroupEric SabourinShane Register TeamHarrison PeeblesMichelle Gurrera & AssociatesShirley LoganSandy Monroe & AssociatesBarbara Pugh TeamRushell BongiornoMatthew CostinThe Wilson TeamMeredith JacksonAllison DonovanJosie GodwinMaDonna McMahonChris LutherPenny OlsonEliza SantosKelly SloopConnie CoxDonna SavageKay Baker Associates  Brunswick OfficeHank Troscianiec & AssociatesRosado & AssociatesNolan FormalarieEmily Willetts TeamGinger HarperAlma BouchardDoug Bris-BoisSharon ZakPeggy Groneman Carolina Beach OfficeCori McQueenAlison KellerTeresa McLambLeland OfficeShawn Horton – Trusst Marketing GroupKaren Schwartz TeamSean SkutnikJeff DominDana GoreEden GilliamOphard Willis Oak Island OfficeThe Haraway Group Cronick & Associates  Cheryl Kuntz LoweryBobbi Diaz-Welch Shallotte OfficeEnzor & Associates  Frances WarnerMcNeely Real Estate GroupThe Kozel Team    Edie CaudillDavid EnzorTom RieberThe Hope TeamEvelyn MadisonFrank Saubers Holden Beach OfficeBarbara AndrewsLinda Stephens Jacksonville OfficeTerri Alphin Smith & Co.Castro Real Estate Group   Jenna MortonTeam Triple Advantage 40 Sails   Lori Smith’s Hometown TeamAl Wagner Sneads Ferry OfficeChristina AsburyLottie Koenig Hampstead OfficeChristina Block & AssociatesNora Ruehle Topsail OfficeChristina Pitz & AssociatesCollins Real Estate Group http://jpeterken.seacoastrealty.com/blog/1945/congratulations-1st-quarter-2016-best-of-the-best!/ Wed, 25 May 2016 12:00:00 -0500 If you’d love to purchase a home of your own, but the ups and downs of the real estate market over the last decade have you concerned, you’ll be relieved to hear that now is an excellent time to buy! Realtor.com called this year’s real estate climate “the perfect storm for home buyers to get out there and make a winning offer.” CostInterest rates have reached historic lows! Interest on a 30 year fixed-rate loan is hanging-tight, right around 4%. As a frame of reference, it was around 18% in the 80’s!! The tax breaks associated with home ownership just keep getting better. Did you know that if your loan is under a million dollars, all your monthly interest is tax deductible? Is your nest egg not as big as you wish it were? No worries! There are more and more programs out there to help buyers put less money down, making it easier to take the plunge.Price negotiations are getting a little simpler too, as stabilizing home prices have leveled the playing field. One more excellent reason to buy is skyrocketing rent. Predictions show that rents will continue to increase nationwide, making it much more logical to put your hard-earned cash toward a solid investment, like a home to call your own.People are already jumping on the buying train, according to NAR (National Association of Realtors), “pending home sales increased slightly in March for the second consecutive month and reached their highest level in almost a year.” SelectionThere’s been a lot of talk concerning the lack of inventory in our area and some price points are more challenging than others, but that may be changing. In addition to the usual increase in activity during the spring and summer months, many homes have appreciated in value over the last year which results in more people listing their homes for sale. So that means more choices for you! There are 5.9 percent more houses on the market according to NAR compared to 2015.And if you’re a first time home buyer, there are about to be even more brand new homes for you to choose from. Since the recession, the production of starter homes has been extremely limited. However, according to BUILDER Online, there’s been a 25% rise in the building of entry-level homes for this year. That means there are more homes being built and priced just for first-time buyers.Local ClimateWith its beautiful beaches, cultural activities and casual lifestyle, Southeastern North Carolina is definitely a destination location. This region, however, is unique as it owes its durable economy to more than just tourism. The balanced economy and business development in the area are going strong due, in part, to substantial global corporations, healthcare, pharmaceutical and financial industries as well as several institutions of higher learning. Economic growth has consistently remained above the national average while unemployment is significantly lower than both the state and national averages.In addition, the entrepreneurial spirit of this area is evident at every turn. The personal financial site, NerdWallet, conducted a study, which, according to Forbes Magazine, evaluated cities based on “average revenue of local businesses, what percentage can claim paid employees, and the number of businesses per 100 residents.” In addition, “median annual income, housing costs, and unemployment rate were factored in as indicative of the local economic landscape.” Wilmington, which ranked as the second-best city in the nation in which to start a business, has 15 business for every 100 people. From innovative tech start-ups and a wide variety of small businesses to well-known franchises, Southeastern North Carolina is filled with successful entrepreneurs. That’s a sign of a successful region that’s here to stay.If you’re considering buying a new home, now is the time and Southeastern North Carolina is definitely the place!Give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and walk you through the process. http://jpeterken.seacoastrealty.com/blog/1918/it's-time-to-buy-in-southeastern-nc/ Mon, 02 May 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Beautiful Wilmington, NC, was originally settled on the Cape Fear River – but it’s mere minutes away from the Atlantic Ocean and three impressive area beaches. The city itself features one of the largest historic districts in the country, a thriving downtown and cultural/art district and an increasing population due to the excellent weather, local ambience and very affordable cost of living.Whether looking for a laid-back, yet cultural- and activity-rich place to retire or raise a growing family, the greater Wilmington area offers a wide range of home rentals that will fit any lifestyle and any wallet. With an area population of approximately 116,000 and growing, Wilmington nevertheless offers excellent housing options at reasonable rates. In order to provide you with the best information about how affordable Wilmington is, we looked at housing costs in several other comparable cities along the East Coast. Downtown WilmingtonWilmington's Downtown offers amenities that makes urban living a far more pleasant experience than other cities with similar economic demographics. An easy stroll in any direction brings residents to hundreds of shops, restaurants, salons and pubs that make Downtown a vibrant commercial center.  Nearby arts and cultural facilities, such as the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, the Cape Fear Museum, public parks, gardens and countless other privately-owned art galleries and museums provide great access to a range of entertainment options. Wilmington also hosts dozens of diverse community festivals and events throughout the year, so local residents enjoy a nearly constant opportunity to participate in any or all of these activities.Housing within the Downtown area is varied and eclectic – from newer townhouse and apartment communities featuring all the amenities to beautifully updated loft-style singles in the bustling business district’s historic buildings. Rents within the city are naturally dependent on the location and size of each unit, but a single-bedroom apartment right in the center of this lively town start at under $1,000 per month, while the same type and size apartment in downtown Alexandria, Va., starts at more than $1,800 a month. In downtown Washington, D.C., a studio goes for about $2,000.Family Homes A growing number of young professionals are moving their growing families to the Wilmington area, attracted by the excellent area schools, outdoor activities and affordable lifestyles the area offers. If the downtown area is too busy for your tastes, and you’d rather take in a little Southern charm and nature, Wilmington offers a wide range of lovely, family-friendly rental properties, complete with room for gardening and entertaining.The historic district – minutes from Downtown – offers a variety of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes ranging in price from a very manageable $1,400 for an updated 3-bedroom/2 -bath home to $1,700 for a 4-bedroom/4-bath home. With more than 200 city blocks included in its historic district, Wilmington has amazing examples of architecture in which to immerse yourself, especially the stunning Bellamy Mansion, a gorgeous example of Classic Revival architecture.Well within the historic district of Savannah, Ga., a 1-bedroom/1-bath cottage costs at least $1,600 a month, while in the famed Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Md., a 2-bedroom attached row home will cost you at least $1,700 per month.Homes Near the OceanWrightsville, Carolina and Kure Beaches each feature pristine stretches of sand and some of the most beautiful shorelines in southeastern North Carolina. Wrightsville Beach is within minutes of Wilmington, offering local residents a world of seaside fun and activities. In addition to easy access to off-shore fishing for black sea bass, grouper and snappers, locals have the advantage of catching flounder, speckled trout or Spanish mackerel right from the pier. Several of the area beaches (and outdoor restaurants) are pet-friendly and welcome visits from leashed family dogs. Living this close to the water also means one thing during holidays – colorful themed flotillas. It’s all about the boats, particularly in Wilmington.A great variety of wooden, stone and traditional home rentals can be found closer to the ocean, within a couple of minutes of walking, biking or driving. Rents commonly start at approximately $1,400 a month for a 3-bedroom/2-bath home (depending on distance from the beach) and $1,700 for a 4-bedroom/3-bath home. Much of the area features pine groves, willows and other native trees, offering plenty of shade during the warm summer months.Alternately, a 2-bedroom/2-bath home near the beach in St. Augustine, Fla., will cost about the same amount as a far larger property near Wrightsville Beach, at $1,695 a month. A 3-bedroom/2-bath home further inland in the same general area costs at least $1,750 per month.Making Wilmington Your HomeWhether you’re a college student or educator, an artist, professional, retiree or a family looking for the perfect place to settle down and enjoy all the amenities of a thriving metropolitan area minus the urgency, crowding and stress, Wilmington has the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood for you.The people who already call Wilmington their home are warm and inviting, and the area itself offers all the Southern charm, history and active social opportunities anyone could want.  http://jpeterken.seacoastrealty.com/blog/1916/wilmington-north-carolina-the-best-value-on-the-coast/ Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage is proud to announce the following “Best of the Best” award winners. These sales associates and teams excelled during the 4th quarter 2015 and were honored at a celebration and reception held at the River Bluffs community. Congratulations!Wilmington OfficeGruner ResidentialJennie Stevens TeamTeam GaleBarbara Pugh TeamMeredith JacksonThe Cameron TeamShane Register TeamChris Baynes & AssociatesBrett Knowles TeamSherwood Strickland GroupJennifer FarmerCynthia Strickland TeamJessica Edwards & Associates – The Carolinas FinestMichelle Gurrera & AssociatesKay Baker AssociatesRushell BongiornoEric SabourinMike CoblePenny OlsonKelly SloopBrunswick OfficeHank Troscianiec & AssociatesRosado & AssociatesNolan FormalarieEmily Willetts TeamKrueger TeamMarsha Lovin FerrellGinger HarperAlma BouchardSusan Tyson ScottSharon Zak Carolina Beach OfficeCori McQueenChris SantucciLeland OfficeShawn Horton – Trusst Marketing GroupKaren Schwartz TeamSean SkutnikHollyAnn RogersJeff Domin Oak Island OfficeThe Haraway GroupCronick & Associates Shallotte OfficeEnzor & AssociatesFrances WarnerMcNeely Real Estate GroupThe Kozel TeamDavid EnzorFrank SaubersHolden Beach OfficeBarbara Andrews Jacksonville OfficeTerri Alphin Smith & Co.Castro Real Estate GroupJenna MortonTeam Triple Advantage40 SailsLori Smith’s Hometown TeamKristen DowningKim Perkins Sneads Ferry OfficeChristina Asbury Hampstead OfficeChristina Block & AssociatesThe Nelson TeamNora Ruehle Topsail OfficeChristina Pitz & AssociatesCollins Real Estate Group http://jpeterken.seacoastrealty.com/blog/1901/congratulations-4th-quarter-2015-best-of-the-best!/ Wed, 30 Mar 2016 12:00:00 -0500