Nested on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Ogden community of Holly Field, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home awaits its new owners. Professionally cleaned and painted, all you need to do it move in. The spacious split bedroom open floor plan features a large living room open to the kitchen/breakfast area. Includes a fenced yard, grilling patio, and much more. The HOA maintains the front lawn.

CALLING ALL NATURE LOVER’S!!  You are not going to want to miss this opportunity to buy a piece of paradise.   Located off Middle Sound Loop Rd. in the popular community of Emerald Forest this 2700-2800 sq. ft. home is situated on a 1.14 acre cul-de-sac lot with tidal access to Pages Creek and the ICWW.  This low country floor plan boasts 3 or 4 bedrooms, a home office, formal dining room, spacious front porch, and an oasis of a back yard.  Hardwood floors are throughout the downstairs living areas and the kitchen has been recently updated with quartz countertops and tile backsplash. Nothing will make the end of the day better than relaxing on the deck or screened porch for a cocktail or BBQ with friends while surrounded by nature. Kids are going to LOVE the play set in the fenced-in back yard! As a bonus, irrigation covers the front and back lawn.  This family friendly neighborhood is loaded with kids. It’s close to Ogden Elementary, and minutes to Wrightsville Beach and Mayfaire.  WELCOME HOME!

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

@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

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.

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

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

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

Located on the 15^th green of Porters Neck Plantation sits this beautiful, 4 bedroom custom built, low country style home boasting over 4600 sq. ft.  The spacious, floor plan is ideal for hosting guests for formal occasions or just a “Guy’s Night” to watch a game in the den/man cave that features a wet bar and built-ins.  The Master Suite features ample closet space, a Jacuzzi tub, dressing table, and separate shower.  Watch the birds or the golfers from the comfort of the sun room or wind down after a long day with a cocktail on the patio.  The upstairs features 3 additional bedrooms, a sitting area/playroom, large bonus room over the 2 car garage, and tons of storage space, including permanent stairs to the attic.  A 5 minute walk and you’re at the community dock on the ICWW where you can launch your boat, kayak, or go fishing on the pier with the kids.  You’ll love calling this premiere neighborhood “HOME.”

View a Virtual Tour of This Home

Situated on a lovely manicured lot on the 15^th 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.

View a Virtual Tour of This Listing

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

Located in the quaint community of Crosswinds, this 2 story brick home is perfectly laid out for family fun and entertaining.  An expanded great room was added just a few years ago and the spacious kitchen has been renovated to include granite countertops.  Boasting over 2700 sq. ft., the formal dining room, sprawling screened porch, deck, and fenced back yard are perfect for neighborhood BBQ’s and family gatherings.  Dual staircases allow easy access to the upstairs bedrooms and the bonus room over the 2 car garage (which could easily be used as the 4^th bedroom). The beautifully landscaped yard features a sprinkler system for the front and back yard on a separate well.  For added peace of mind, a home warranty is also provided.   Convenient to area shopping, dining and minutes to the beach, you’ll love the lifestyle and convenience this great home affords.  Welcome Home!

View a Virtual Tour of This Home