8701 Champion Hills Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28411

The Cameron Team has a new listing!

Situated on a lovely manicured lot on the 15th green of Porters Neck Plantation’s award winning golf course, this custom built home features 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, home office, and all the upgrades and amenities you’d expect in this community.  The great room features soaring ceilings, transom windows, built in shelving, and a gas log fireplace.  The open floor plan and easy flow design will make entertaining with friends a regular event both inside and on the covered porch and patio.  The spacious kitchen features ample storage, granite countertops, center island, and stainless steel appliances.   Surround sound is featured in the great room, kitchen, master suite, and bonus room.  You are just a 5 minute stroll to the community dock on the ICWW where you can launch your boat and kayak, or go fishing on the pier with the kids. Seller is willing to negotiate on the “Charter” golf & country club membership that includes access to golf, pool, tennis, fitness center, dining, and social functions.

Visit the listing page for a full description and more pictures – 8701 Champion Hills Drive.
Other homes for sale in the community of Porters Neck Plantation.

Meghan Riley

Many North Carolina homeowners ask, “Do we need to install a fence around our swimming pool?” The answer is YES!

The installation of a swimming pool should conform to North Carolina’s latest building codes. As of this post, those are the 2012 residential building codes. They regulate the dimensions of the fence or wall (referred to as a “barrier” in the codes), including height, gaps, protrusions, and gates. The state adopted these codes to prevent accidental or near-accidental drownings, especially where children are concerned.  

If you’re considering buying a Wilmington area home with a swimming pool or plan on installing one, there may be additional regulations as the New Hanover County Board of Health drew up their own regulations in 2000, but we recommend you do some research beforehand: it’s unclear if they’ve been updated since then. If you have any questions about the codes for installing swimming pools in New Hanover County, always contact the New Hanover County Planning & Inspections Department or speak with a licensed fence contractor.

Additionally, make sure that you check with your homeowners association if you are buying or live in a community that has one, because they too may have their own requirements for installing swimming pools or making home improvements in general.

For your convenience, here is Appendix G: Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs of the 2012 North Carolina Building Codes as a downloadable PDF.

@TimGuinee   Sad to hear about #Revolution leaving NC. #iLM was a great place to shoot and live and a we had a great crew. Thanks for a great year.

In Case You Missed It

Wilmington restaurants that cater to certain diets are hard to come by, but there’s a new restaurant near Blue Moon Gift Shop called Clean Eatz that wants to offer diners healthier options. The menu includes gluten free, low-carb, and customizable options to fit your current diet needs. Trying to build muscle? They have options specifically for that. Plus, they have the calories displayed right on the menu, so you’re always informed. Learn more about Clean Eatz at their website.

The Battleship North Carolina has been a Wilmington icon since she arrived in her current berth across from the Wilmington Riverfront in 1961. Her preservation started out as a struggle. In 1958, it was announced she would be scrapped. That year, North Carolina residents started a campaign to save her. It was successful and she became the State’s memorial to its World War II veterans and victims in 1962. It became a popular family tourist destination and has even made its appearance in movies and television. However, a rise in operating costs and decrease in tourism across the nation has made it difficult for the battleship to continue offering events and tours. It does not receive state or national funding for day-to-day operations and instead relies on ticket sales and event sales. To help increase its funding, the Battleship North Carolina is now taking applications for a specialized North Carolina automobile license plate, but need 300 applications before it’ll be made. Learn more at WWAY.

A 250,000 square-foot shopping center could be going in the Porter’s Neck Area at 8000 and 8001 Market Street. The plan proposed by Paramount Development Corp. includes a brand new Walmart. In order for the project to move forward, the area will have to be rezoned. Paramount is in the process of viewing that. In the mean time, Paramount and Walmart have been holding public meetings to hear the concerns of surrounding residents. Learn more at Greater Wilmington Business Journal.

Nearly 100 Wilmington residents came together on Tuesday, May 15, to discuss what needs to be improved and preserved in the city. This is the first stage of designing the future of Wilmington for the next 15-20 years, a project that mimics others that have occurred in the city’s past and proved to be successful. As the city grows and technological progress occurs, resident’s needs change; so, the City of Wilmington aims to refocus its own efforts for maintaining the quality of life for its residents. See the results of the development meeting at Port City Daily.

Coming Up

The 21^st Annual St. Nicholas Greek Festival is happening this Friday-Sunday, May 17th-19^th, at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church across from UNCW on South College Road. The annual event is very popular and features authentic Greek food, live music, vendors, and church tours. There’s even a drive-thru if you’re just interested in getting some great food. But make sure you get there early if you want the Greek pastries. They go quick! Admission is $3. Kids 12 and under are free. Extra parking is at the Kmart parking lot down the road (free shuttle provided). To see the full schedule for the event, visit the Greek Fest website.

If you are looking for something a little smaller or new, check out the Inaugural Wilmington Wine and Food Festival on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the St. Thomas Preservation Hall on Dock Street in Downtown Wilmington. Area restaurant owners and wine owners will be providing food and teaching attendees about all the best pairings. Over 100 different wines will be available for tasting. Attendees will also have the option to order wine at discount. Tickets are $48 and proceeds will go toward supporting Cape Fear River Watch and 1000 People Who Care. For tickets and to learn about the raffle they will be hosting, visit the Wine and Food Festival website.

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Sloan Reese, Buyer Specialist, 910.547.2038

Meghan Riley, Client Care Specialist, 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw, Rocky Point

Meghan Riley

When the New Hanover County Tax Department approached the board of commissioners, they cited a slew of data errors, which have the potential to cost property owners money. With the cooperation of owners, they want to fix the majority of these errors and can only do so with a personal visit to each parcel. Here is what property owners need to know:

1. The appraisal process will begin THIS YEAR on July 1^st.
2. The county will be separated into areas. When the assessors are due to visit that area, they will post a press release.
3. Assessors will measure the outside of the home and will knock on doors to ask questions about the interior.
4. They will NOT enter homes unless specifically asked by the home owner.
5. If the owner is not present, they will leave a survey on the front door. It is the responsibility of the home owner to send it back to the county tax office.
6. The survey will include questions about the number of bedrooms, baths, improvements, etc.
7. Property visits will be conducted by New Hanover County staff and an outside contractor.

If you are unsure that a person visiting your home is a New Hanover County Tax Assessor, you can verify their information with New Hanover County by calling the county customer service at (910)798-7311. Remember, assessors have no reason to enter your home. You can always request them to leave the survey on the door if you feel uncomfortable.

Meghan Riley

The #'s for April are in and we continue to see good signs for our local market as we head in to the Summer market. We have now gone 7 months with out list to sales price ratio above 95%. The average sales price in April was $225,618. That's a 1.8% increase from last month and a 2.8% increase from April 2012. Our year to date average sold price is currently $220,803, up about .3% from year end 2012.

As of May 1st, we have 3,765 homes on the market in our local MLS. That's a 55 unit increase since last month which equates to a 7 month supply of inventory. Our pending index is close to 1,300 and we haven't seen pendings that high since August 2007. In April, our days on the market (DOM) increased by 4 days to 136. The average list price is up by $9,318 from last month and currently stands at $367,136. The 30 year fixed rate averaged 3.42% which is extremely attractive.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns we are happy to assist any way that we can. Just call, email or text..... We're here to help!

Have a great week!

Melanie Cameron

6312 Sugar Pine Drive
Wilmington, NC 28412

The Cameron Team has a new listing!

Situated on the 8^th fairway of Beau Rivage Plantation is this meticulously maintained 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with over 2800 square-feet.  Plantation shutters, a built-in book case, sound system, hydrotherapy tub, and granite countertops in the kitchen are just a few of the many upgrades by the current owners.   Hardwood floors highlight the great room, formal dining room, and all the downstairs bedrooms in this split bedroom floor plan.  Full irrigation system covers the front and back yard, and functions off a separate well, so garden to your hearts delight in the azalea filled yard.  Wind down after a long day or entertain friends on the expansive deck overlooking the golf course.  The heat pump was replaced a few years ago, and there’s a termite bond and home warranty for added peace of mind. Beau Rivage offers optional memberships for pool and golf. Just minutes to area shopping and dining, and a short ride to area beaches, you’ll love the convenience and comfort Beau Rivage offers.  Welcome Home!

Visit the listing page for a full description and more pictures – 6312 Sugar Pine Drive.
Other homes for sale in the community of Beau Rivage Plantation.
 

@CodyRayBeck  Loved seeing some familiar sights in Iron Man III #Wilmington Pride! #Ilm

In Case You Missed It

Wilmington City Council voted to add a local contribution of $86,000 to a $175,000 state grant for building a boardwalk, public parking, and a kayak launch on Smith Creek near the McRae Street and Cornelius Harnett Drive intersection. Learn more at WWAYTV3.

‘The Perfect Summer’, a surfer flick about a nerd who learns to surf to impress a girl, has started filming in Wilmington. It stars Adam Horner, Eric Roberts and Sydney Penny, Katie Garfield, Chuck Carrington , and Jason Castro. Local surfer, Tony Silvagni, has also been cast as Horner’s surfer double. The casting team is also looking for local surfers for extras. Keep up with filming news at What’s Up in Wilmywood.

A locally filmed renovation show, “Home Again”, surprised a Wilmington Marine returning home from service Tuesday with a back yard makeover. Community members lined up along the street to welcome him home and the creators of “Home Again” hope that he will be just the first of many service members to receive a home makeover. That is dependent on if the show is picked up by a network. Learn more at WWAYTV3.

Coming Up

This Friday and Saturday, Wilmington is hosting the first annual Port City Pop Con featuring actors, personalities, artists, musicians, and other popular icons. Some of the guests include Ernie Hudson from ‘Ghostbusters’, Margot Kidder from ‘Superman’, James McCune from ‘The Walking Dead’, Michael Biehn from ‘Tombstone’, and Jennifer Blanc from “Dark Angel”. The Pop Con will be held at the Wilmington Convention Center on Nutt St. Tickets are $25 per person on Friday and $40 per person on Saturday, with $50 weekend passes available as well. See the full list and learn more at the Port City Pop Con website.

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Sloan Reese, Buyer Specialist, 910.547.2038

Meghan Riley, Client Care Specialist, 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw, Rocky Point

Meghan Riley

I hope you had a great weekend! Still a bit cool around here but I think that's going to be changing by the weekend. I for one am READY for some warmer weather.

I've had a lot of buyers and sellers recently ask me if lenders are starting to loosen their standards of qualifying for loans. So, I did some research. The Federal Reserve's January survey of mortgage loan officers revealed the 9th straight month in which fewer than 10% of banks actually tightened their standards. Instead, the survey found that the standards were beginning to loosen slightly. We won't see any time soon (IF EVER), the extremely loose standards that we saw at the height of the market but a little bit of give, will continue to help the recovering housing market. With more buyer demand and prices starting to rise slightly in some areas, this is a good sign for the 2013 home purchase market.

Why are Lending Standards Easing? According to Keeping Current Matters blog, the FICO/PRMIA report revealed that 83.7% believe the level of mortgage delinquencies will decrease or at least not get any worse and 70.8% feel that home prices were increasing at a sustainable pace. The housing market is strongly connected to the country's economic recovery so these are all good signs.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please share them and I'll be happy to respond. Have a great week and remember The Cameron Team for all your real estate needs.

Melanie Cameron

1004 Upper Reach Drive
Wilmington, NC 28409

The Cameron Team has a new listing!

Located in the desirable community of Upper Reach, this beautiful home is surrounded by a canopy of beautiful trees and a professionally landscaped yard.  With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an enormous bonus room over the 2 car garage, this home has all the amenities and upgrades you could want.  The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops and slate flooring.  Oak floors downstairs have been refinished and Brazilian cherry flooring is located upstairs.  The master suite features vaulted ceilings, and an incredible master bath with a whirlpool tub, separate shower, and updated vanity with granite countertop.   Enjoy the southern hospitality of the front porch or wind down with friends on the patio in the fenced back yard.  Located in the sought after Parsley School District, area shopping, dining and beaches are also just minutes away.  Come visit Upper Reach today, you’ll be glad you did! 

Visit the listing page for a full description and more pictures – 1004 Upper Reach Drive.
Other homes for sale in the community of Upper Reach.

Meghan Riley

‏@sheila_brothers : @RachelleLefevre Thank you for calling out by name the awesome restaurants in #ILM. I know the locals really appreciate it! You da best! (One reason we follow the #ILM feed – restaurant suggestions!)

In Case You Missed It

The Hoggard High School Vikings won the Mideastern Conference baseball title Tuesday night. They beat Ashley High School’s Screaming Eagles 10-0 to grab the title. This is their third conference title in four years.

Meghan Riley

Filming for Melissa McCarthy’s Tammy is starting and they are gearing up to hire 2,000 extras. This is a great opportunity to make some extra dollars and learn what filming a movie is like. In addition to Melissa, the movie’s cast includes Kathy Bates, Dan Aykroyd, and Toni Collette. Learn more at What’s Up in Wilmywood.

Speaking of movies…Iron Man 3, which was primarily filmed in Wilmington, is coming to theaters in a few days. This week, the Motion Picture Association of America released a report that the movie’s film production brought $180 million and 2,000+ jobs in North Carolina. This is music to the ears of those against House Bill 994, which would significantly reduce filming incentives in North Carolina. To see the breakdown of these numbers, visit Port City Daily.

The new Veterans Affairs Wilmington Health Care Center has opened in Wilmington. For over a decade, veterans anxiously anticipated a new, upgraded facility and now they have it at 1705 Gardner Drive. Previously, veterans had to drive to Fayetteville for specialty care. Now, they have access to audiology, cardiology, podiatry, radiology and dental care. The facility spans 85,000 square-feet, an extensive floor plan purposely chosen in anticipation of the growing number of veterans in Southeastern North Carolina. Learn more at Port City Daily.

Coming Up

The Airlie Summer Concert Series kicks off this weekend with folk and country rock group L Shape Lot. The concert starts at 6 p.m and admission is $2-$8 (Airlie members get in free). Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food, chairs, blankets, and coolers. To learn more, visit the Airlie Gardens Website.

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Sloan Reese, Buyer Specialist, 910.547.2038

Meghan Riley, Client Care Specialist, 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw, Rocky Point

Before I move on to share the results, I believe a study like this needs a disclaimer. All real estate is LOCAL. No matter what the national news reports about the real estate market, results are dependent on what buyers need and want in a particular region and city. The features buyers in Wilmington want doesn't necessarily match up with what buyers want in the Midwest, because they have different living needs. Also, the sum cost that buyers are willing to spend extra doesn’t necessarily cover the cost of a feature. However, studies like this can give an overview of how needs and desires are shifting, and may help home owners decide which home improvement projects they take on. Saying that, let me move on…

Here is the list of features that home buyers are willing to pay more for (according to the NAR):

1. Fireplace
   Home buyers who purchased a home with a fireplace: 57%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $1,400
2. Eat-in Kitchen
   Home buyers who purchased a home with an eat-in kitchen: 40%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $1,770
3. Home Less Than 5 Years Old
   Home buyers who purchased a newer home: 40%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $5,020
   **NAR found that single males were more likely to purchase a home less than 5 years old. Singlewomen and first-time buyers tended to be big purchasers of older homes.
4. Kitchen Island
   Home buyers who purchased a kitchen island: 48%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $1,370
5. Ensuite Master
   BathHome buyers who purchased an ensuite master bath: 49%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $2,030
6. Hardwood Floors
   Home buyers who purchased hardwood floors: 54%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $2,080
7. Granite Countertops
   Home buyers who purchased granite countertops: 55%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $1,620
8. Walk-in Closet in Master Bedroom
   Home buyers who purchased a walk-in closet: 60%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $1,350
9. New Kitchen Appliances
   Home buyers who purchased new kitchen appliances: 69%
   Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $1,840
   **Stainless steel appliances were the most sought-after. Single men and married couples placed the most significance on new appliances.
10. Central Air Conditioning
    Home buyers who purchased central air conditioning: 69%
    Amount buyers are willing to pay extra: $2,520

Other important tidbits from the survey:

1. Buyers over the age of 55 (most of all) and single women desired single-level homes more than others.
2. Single men were more likely to buy high/cathedral ceilings.
3. 53% of buyers completed a renovation project shortly after buying. Most of those projects were centered on the kitchen and the average cost was $4,550. 41% replaced lighting and 53% replaced or added new appliances.
4. In-law suites and basements captured the most extra dollars. In Wilmington, basements aren’t common features, because many homes are at sea level. However, bonus rooms or FROGs (finished room over garage) have taken their place.
5. 47% of home buyers thought laundry rooms were important. 89% of them bought a laundry room.
6. 78% chose a house with a garage.
7. 32% of buyers were willing to pay more for waterfront property; however, the median amount they would pay extra was only $5,420. In the Wilmington Real Estate Market, this wouldn’t fly, because the difference can be hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on if it’s oceanfront, riverfront, pond front, canal front, etc.

As you can see, a lot of the features desired center on the kitchen. This is not a surprise as increasingly more buyers are looking for open floor plans that allow the kitchen to overlook a family or entertainment room, so they can socialize or monitor children while they cook. They’ve even started adding televisions and computers to the kitchen, to increase the room's diversity.

Interestingly, some of the desired features also varied according to age.  Features important to couples, like new appliances and eat-in kitchens, weren’t necessarily of interest to younger, single individuals. This may be attributed to changing values as people age. For many, life becomes more home-centered as they grow older, so the extra features that improve the experience of living in a home become more important.

Despite what features a home has, location still wins out as the most important factor in choosing home. Buyers will pay more for a home with fewer of the features they desire if it's in a great location. Schools, water access, community amenities, nearby conveniences, public transportation, and more are location features that buyers will often choose over other home features.

If you have any questions about how these results apply to Wilmington area homes, please feel free to give us a call at 910.202.2546 or send us a message through our Contact form. We’re always happy to answer questions!

Meghan Riley

I hope everyone had a great weekend. It ended up being a nice weekend here in Wilmington despite the threat of rain. It'll be 90 degrees before you know it so enjoy the cool, Spring weather while it lasts.

The stats for the first Quarter of 2013 are in for our local market and we continue to see signs of improvement. When reviewing the 6 major zip codes in our market, our average sales price has increased by 7% from the 1st Quarter of 2012. Our list to sale price ratio for the 1st Quarter of this year is at 96.55%, an increase from 95.6% from the 1st Quarter of 2012. The average list price is up 6% over last year's 1st quarter and stands at $234,489 and the median sold price of $176,500 is up 3.8% over the 1st Quarter of 2012. The average number of days on the market in the 1st Quarter was 126 days, a significant improvement from 2012 when it was 169 days.

If you'd like to see this entire report, just let me know and I'm happy to send you the link.

As always, any questions comments or needs, please give us a call. Have a great week!

Melanie Cameron

@dalm8ton Took some time tonight to remember why I live in #ilm - it's beautiful! http://ow.ly/i/1XqFg

In Case You Missed It

Cape Fear Community College is launching The Veterans Summer Institute, a program to help veterans enroll and transition into college. The schedule and demands of college life can take some adjusting and CFCC hopes to provide veterans with the tools they need to succeed. The program is free and runs mid-May. For more information, please visit WWAY TV 3.

The local police have announced that violent crime in downtown Wilmington (the river to 5th street) was down 58% in March 2013 from March 2012. This was the 10^th consecutive month it decreased and their attributing a large part of it to the new WPD/New Hanover County police task force. Read more at WECT Channel 6.

This year, Cape Fear Community College discovered one of their main campus buildings, the McLeod Building, had a major mold and mildew issues on its first floor. This week, the New Hanover Board of Commissioners decided to give the college $600,000 to replace walls, doors, floors, and the ceiling of the first floor. Read more at WECT Channel 6.

Coming Up

Interested in body art or looking for a new tattoo artist? Check out this weekend’s 3^rd Annual Cape Fear Tattoo and Arts Expo at the Wilmington Convention Center. Tattoo artists from many local shops will be onsite to speak with visitors and provide demonstrations. There will also be showcases, workshops, contests, and vendors. Admission is $20 per day with discounts for multiple days and the event runs Friday-Sunday. Learn more at the Cape Fear Tattoo and Arts Expo website.

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Sloan Reese, Buyer Specialist, 910.547.2038

Meghan Riley, Client Care Specialist, 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw, Rocky Point

Meghan Riley

Have you been looking for new construction homes in Wilmington and not been impressed by the lot sizes? Then, take a look at Sycamore Grove in the Monkey Junction area, which boasts “larger than average” lot sizes. Homesites sold in the past have varied from .29-.46 acres and have the added bonus of being wooded; so, homeowners get an established feeling from early on despite the homes being new.

Homes start in the low $200s and include Cottage, Craftsman, and Traditional Styles. There are 12 floor plans by Bill Clark Homes and they range from 1820 - 3320 square-feet. Standard features include stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, James Hardie Siding with a 15 year warranty, chair rail molding, wainscoting, oak hardwood flooring in kitchen and foyer, and ceramic tile in master bath. Other optional features include pre-finished hardwoods in the living room; a fireplace with built-in shelves; a soaker tub with separate shower in master bath; brick or stone accents; and maple cabinets, granite countertops, tile backsplash, and recessed and pendant lighting in the kitchen  – just to name a few! To understand the full range of options, you really must arrange a showing.

View Homes for Sale in Sycamore Grove.

Located off Carolina Beach Road, Sycamore Grove is near the growing area of Monkey Junction where there is plenty of shopping and restaurants to choose from. It’s also a short drive to Carolina Beach, including its state park, public beach access, charming boardwalk, entertaining year-round festivals, and excellent seafood restaurants. But owners might not want to stray far, because the community features a club house and outdoor swimming pool!

If you’re interested in receiving more information about Sycamore Grove or scheduling a showing, please contact us at 910.202.2546 or by sending us a message through our Contact page. We’d be happy to help you in any way we can! There are proposed homes currently on the market, but many other options that aren’t listed in the local MLS. So, it’s definitely worth digging further.

Meghan Riley

First and foremost, our continued thoughts and prayers go out to the city of Boston and all those effected by the horrific tragedy at the Boston Marathon last week. I still can't comprehend how some people can be so cruel and in the same breath, I'm amazed by the generosity and kindness of so many people helping complete strangers in the face of such tragedy. God bless them all!

Our market continues to show signs of improvements. Nationally, housing starts jumped by 7% in March. This was the largest jump since June 2008. New construction starts are a strong sign of the economy rebounding. We are seeing a lot of that locally here too so a good sign across the board. The Labor Department reported that the Consumer Price Index declined by .2% in March, showing that inflation at the consumer level remains tame. Weekly Initial Jobless Claims rose by 4,000 to 352,000, with no clear signs of any significant move lower as the labor market continues to muddle along with no significant growth. We'll be keeping an eye on these reports and reporting back.

As always, please call or email with any questions, comments or needs. We look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs. Have a great week!

Melanie Cameron

117 N. 25^th Street
Wilmington, NC 28405

This 1940’s bungalow is a unique opportunity for a homeowner or investor.  With over 1500 sq. ft. the main house features 3 bedrooms and 2 baths with an additional studio apartment out back that could be used as a craft room, workshop or rented out for additional income.  Original hardwood floors adorn the living room, dining room and 2 downstairs bedrooms.  The kitchen has been updated and is open to the expansive deck that overlooks the beautifully landscaped backyard and your own private hot tub, which stays with the home!  Centrally located, this bungalow sits on a corner lot just minutes to shopping, downtown, Wrightsville Beach and area dining.  You’re sure to appreciate the character and charm of this great home. 

Visit the listing page for a full description and more pictures – 117 N. 25^th Street.

Meghan Riley

Are you on the prowl for a new home? Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage is hosting a giveaway for everyone who visits a Sea Coast open house this weekend during National Open House Weekend (Saturday, April 20th, and Sunday, April 21st). The giveaway is called "Coast In & Win" (official rules below) and the big prize is $1,000! Just think, that's an earnest money deposit or part of a down payment!

We want to extend a special invitation to you to stop by our open house at 410 Wayne Drive in the community of Beaumont in Wilmington. The house will be open on Saturday, April 20th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. An agent will be there to answer all your questions. It's a well-maintained 2408 square-foot bungalow with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and an additional den and family room. It shows great and we'd love for you to see it (and sign-up to be entered for the $1,000)!

We hope to see you there!

Official Rules for Cash In & Win Promotion

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

2. Drawing will be held and the winner announced on the following Thursday after each Promotion (the “Promotion”) at the offices of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage – 1001 Military Cutoff Ste 101 Wilmington, NC 28405 – at or about 2:30 EST.

3. Drawing is open to all individuals who are residents of the U.S., are 18 years of age or older and who are registered in the Promotion. Employees and Agents of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage and their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotions agencies involved in the promotion and their immediate family members and persons residing in the same household are not eligible.

4. You must be registered in the Promotion no later than 5:00 P.M. on the date of the Promotion to be eligible. For the purpose of registration and winning, each individual date of the Promotion shall be deemed a separate event so that registration for a prior promotion will not automatically register for the current or future promotions.

5. Only one entry per family per promotional property per promotional date. Registrants must provide either a daytime telephone number or email address to quality for the prize drawing. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for lost, late, misdirected or incorrect entries, for malfunction of electronic equipment, computer hardware or software, problems related to transfer of registration information or other technical problems. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned.

6. Winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries actually received. The drawing will be conducted by Sponsor or its designee, under the supervision of Sponsor, the judge of the Promotion, whose decisions are final and binding in all respects. The winner will be announced at or about 2:30 p.m. EST. Winner will be notified by either telephone number or email address (or both) provided on form by winner. Initial notification will be deemed to have occurred at the time of any one or more of the following: a) 12 hours have passed after initial email transmission and Sponsor has received no delivery failure notifications from Winner’s email provider; b) time of voice message on any recording device used by Winner at phone number provided. Winner has seven (7) calendar days from initial notification attempt by Sponsor to accept prize. Acknowledgement of notification by Winner is deemed to have occurred when Winner notifies the Sponsor’s contest administrator at 910.799.3435

7. Winner will be required to appear in person at Sponsor’s corporate office (1001 Military Cutoff Ste 101 Wilmington, NC 28405) to accept prize and to sign an affidavit of eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release (except where prohibited) within ten (10) calendar days of prize notification but before receipt of prize or risk forfeiture of the prize. Winner agrees to be available for photography purposes at time of prize acceptance. Winner is responsible for all travel expenses incurred in appearing to accept prize. If winner is 18 or older, as required, but a minor in his or state of residence, winner’s parent or legal guardian must sign all required documents.

8. Prize: each Promotion event will award a prize of One Thousand Dollars and no cents ($1,000.00). Odds of winning depend upon number of eligible entries received. Taxes, fees and all other expenses are the sole responsibility of the winner. Prize is not transferable. No prize substitution, except at Sponsor’s sole discretion. If prize become unavailable, Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to award a prize of equal or greater value. Winner will be issued a 1099 tax form the value of the prize.

9. By accepting a prize, winner agrees: (i) to be bound by these Official Rules; (ii) that the decisions of the judges are final and binding; (iii) to use winner’s entry, name, likeness, photograph and any statements regarding the Promotion’s giveaways and prizes attributed to the winner for editorial, public relations, promotional and advertising purposes on behalf of Sponsor in all media worldwide, except if winner is a resident of Tennessee or otherwise prohibited by law and (iv) to release Sponsor, their parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, the service agencies and independent contractors of any of the above organizations and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, including advertising and promotional agencies, from any and all liability, loss or damage arising out of their participation in the Promotion and with respect to the awarding, receipt, possession, use and/or misuse of any prize. Sponsor reserves the right to modify, suspend or terminate the Promotion, in its sole discretion, for any reason whatsoever including but not limited to, in the event it becomes infected by a computer virus or is otherwise technically impaired or in the event of any fraud by a participant or any other party. Subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. This Promotion is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina, with venue in New Hanover County, North Carolina, and all claims must be resolved in the state and federal courts of Wilmington, North Carolina.

10. For winner’s name, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for receipt not later than 10 calendar days after the award of any individual Promotion to:

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
1001 Military Cutoff Ste 101
Wilmington, NC 28405
Attn: David Benford

11. Sponsored by Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, 1001 Military Cutoff Ste 101 Wilmington, NC 28405

12. These Official Rules are available at www.SeaCoastRealty.com

@Eryn_Alexandra 23h Crispy Thai chicken lollipops with sesame seeds, peanuts, and cilantro #ilm #foodtruck #yumm… http://instagram.com/p/YK8XipHuCu/ (Food from The Catch Food Truck = Amazing!)

In Case You Missed It

Earlier this year, it was announced that two sponsors had pulled out of the 4^th of July Battleship Blast creating a $15,000 deficit for this year’s event. Wilmington City Council approved $25,000, $15k more than they usually contribute, to make up for the loss. However, realizing the benefit of the event, downtown business owners have stepped forward and are now raising funds to help make it possible. Read more at Port City Daily.

The New Hanover County Board of Education is now proposing to share 11 sheriff’s deputies between the 25 elementary schools. The original plan involved keeping on the 24 deputies that were instated in the schools after the shooting at Newton, Connecticut. However, that would cost over a million annually. Sharing 11 deputies would be a significant decrease manually. Learn more at the StarNews.

The N.C. Department of Transportation will be holding a public forum about the potential closing of Third Street for multiple months next year to replace a culvert at Greenfield Lake. The project would affect the intersection at South Front Street, Carolina Beach Road and Burnett Boulevard, but would include additional improvements to pedestrian and bike access. NC-DOT is holding the meeting to fully inform the public and get feedback. Learn more at Port City Daily.

Coming Up

The 2013 North Carolina Open Foosball Championships will be happening at Break Time Billiards in Wilmington starting this Friday at 6 p.m. until Saturday at 2 a.m. Part of the Bonzini U.S.A. Tour, some of the hottest players from the East Coast will be there. A portion of all proceeds will go to support Wilmington's Brigade Boys & Girls Club.

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Sloan Reese, Buyer Specialist, 910.547.2038

Meghan Riley, Client Care Specialist, 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw, Rocky Point

Meghan Riley

If you’re anything like me, when spring rolls around each year, I have a vague recollection of what I planted and when I planted it the year before. I really should know better, because I used to work in a greenhouse and had to advise people on the best gardening practices. But life has certainly gotten a lot busier and I moved to an entirely different zone since then. So, I decided to go on the hunt for gardening apps to make tracking and planning a little bit easier. Here are the best ones I found (listed by device):

iPad/iPhone

Garden Tracker
Design a grid plan for your garden and fill it in with vegetables and herbs from the pre-loaded 50 types. Track planting, harvesting, watering, fertilizing, and progress. Keep notes and use their built-in tools for garden zone frost dates, sunrise/sunset times, lunar cycles, common pests, and organic solutions to produce the best results.

Note: This is for the iPhone and iPod. For the iPad app, download "Garden Tracker - Bumper Crop".

Landscaper’s Companion
Browse plants by type, including annuals, succulents, bulbs, evergreens, ferns, flowering/fruit trees, grasses, ground covers, and more. View pictures and planting guidelines, such as zone, water, sunlight, and growth rate. Search for plants by name and planting requirements, and save your favorites.

Dig My Garden
Create a visual representation of your garden. Choose the shape of the bed, direction of the bed (compass included), and the plants you want to include. It will show you how the bed will look throughout the season and provides details on the growing needs for each plant. You’ll know when the flowers are due to bloom and be able to choose which plants you want to include based on that. It also includes a journal tool for recording the bed’s progress. The only downfall seems to be a shortage of filtering options for the plants.

Gardening
This is a simple app with the main focus of tracking harvesting time. There is a database of plants with planting instructions, a to-do list for reminders, and a journal for tracking progress through notes and pictures. This app is great if you just want to be reminded to keep up with the changes in your garden.

Leafsnap

I have spent a lot of time trying to identify plants by their leaves and flowers. I wish this app had been created sooner. You can take a picture of a leaf, and it will compare it against its database and return a match. I warn you, it’s a work in progress, but it’s being developed by researchers from Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. It will only continue to improve and could save you a lot of time.

Android

Gardenate
This is an incredibly detailed planting guide. It tells you when to plant seeds in trays and directly in the garden, what soil temperature is needed for germination, and the best companion plants to group with a plant. It also gives you advice that you’d only get from a seasoned gardener, like visual signs that a plant is past harvesting, what pests to look out for, and which varieties are better suited for your needs. I especially like that it tells you what NOT to plant beside another plant. These are details often left out of planting instructions. It also allows you to add plants and track only the plants in your own garden.

Landscaper’s Companion
Browse plants by type, including annuals, succulents, bulbs, evergreens, ferns, flowering/fruit trees, grasses, ground covers, and more. View pictures and planting guidelines, such as zone, water, sunlight, and growth rate. Search for plants by name and planting requirements, and save your favorites.

Garden Plants Growing Guide
Search plants (flowers, vegetables, and herbs) and view detailed growing guides, including a full database of pictures. This app is good if you’re looking for additional information on a plant and does not require an internet connection once downloaded. However, it doesn’t have the customization and filters that other apps have.

Application developers are constantly adapting their apps for different devices, so don’t hesitate to see if one of these apps has been developed for your device, even if it’s not listed. If you know of any other good apps for tracking the progress of your garden, please let us know in the comments below.

Meghan Riley

I hope everyone had a great weekend and were able to enjoy some of the festivities with the Azalea Festival this weekend here in Wilmington. I had the pleasure of seeing a dear friend get married on the Sound at Wrightsville Beach. Congratulations Donna and Jimmy! Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!

Well the numbers for March are in and with the close of the first quarter of the year, we certainly have reason to be optimistic about the housing recovery. We are now in our 6th month of the list to sale price ratio above 95% and our pending index is now over 1,229. We haven't seen pending #'s that high since 2007 (the height of the market). March also had the highest # of sold units since March 2007.

As of April 1st. we have 3,710 homes on the market which equates to a 7.6 month supply of inventory. Our average list price for March was at $357,818 and our average sales price was $221,773 (an increase of 1.8% from February). The average days on the market dropped slightly to 132. Interest rates continue to be below 4% but there's no guarantee how long that will last.

Any questions, comments or concerns, please let us know. We are here for all your real estate needs. Have a great week!

Melanie Cameron