Wilmington, NC Real Estate Blog

As I was sitting here, I started thinking about the many clients who would buy the

home I showed them, except that it was missing something or needing updates. So often,

I have heard, "it's missing a bedroom or bath that we want,"  "the kitchen needs

remodeling and I don't have the money to do that," or "it's perfect, but I really want

a pool." 

While the home may not be the ideal that can be changed by considering the "renovation

loan."   The steps are simple.  First we determine if the program will work for a

particular home and in most cases it probably will and we get you preapproved as a

Priority Buyer with Wells Fargo.   Next, we can execute an offer to purchase

containing the appropriate renovation verbiage.  The inspection process then begins

and you select a contractor who will complete the contractor's packet.  The scope of

the work is reviewed and accepted by all parties. The appraiser will inspect the

property and determine the "after improved value."  Once final loan approval is issued

and you obtain homeowner's insurance, we move to closing. Renovation must begin within

30 days of closing and must be completed within a designated time fram.  As the work

is completed, inspections are made by the lender's inspector and funds are disbursed

for said renovations.  

Our lenders have a very nice packet to guide you through the process....so don't let

the work "IDEAL" get in  your way when looking for your home.  You have the power to

make it IDEAL.

Call us today to start looking for your home and we can partner you up with

"Wilmington's #1 Experts" and our partners at Wells Fargo.

Day 128    and a roller coaster weekend ahead.............Head on down to Carolina Beach tonight  December 2 at 7:30pm for the Island of Lights  Christmas parade. 

 There will be floats, bands and of course Santa Claus.   Free. 

Line up from Atlanta Avenue down Lake Park Boulevard to the Federal Point Plaza.   More information at www.islandoflights.org.    See you there!!!!!!

It's Turkey Trot time around the USA and in Wrightsville Beach, NC once again on November 24, 2011.   Run or walk the Loop along with the Beals.  Dick and Sandy started the Wilmington Turkey Trot 7 years ago, as a way to give back to this wonderful community of Wilmington.  

Although actual turkey's do not trot, they probably would have if given the chance.   The Turkey Trot is one of the largest Thanksgiving Day events around the country and the trot at Wrightsville Beach is just around the corner.   This is one of the best ways to start the day early with your family and to give back to the community.   The event grew to be so large that Dick and Sandy passed the torch to Habitat for Humanity, the benefactor of this event.    This event brings families back year after year, and has continued to be one of the area's fun attractions.  This is an event we won't miss out on Thanksgiving morning, and we hope to see you start a new family tradition along with us.

Last year's event had over 980 registrants and it grows year after year.  Early registrations are coming in fast and furious, and it looks like the possibility of more than 1500 runners will participate this year.  With hundreds of spectators and family cheering them on, you won't want to miss this fun event!!

Here are the details: 

Registration begins at 7:30am at the Town Park and Gazebo rain or shine.

Find some friends, make some friends, then enjoy all the activities and refreshments we have for you back at the Park.  There  will be prizes and awards, for all sorts of age categories, along with free coffee, juice drinks, fruit, and of course donuts....what better way to start your Thanksgiving Holiday?

Race packet Pick up:  Pick up on the 22nd at Try Sports in Mayfaire Town Center, 925 Town Center Dr., Wilmington, NC 28405 or Pick up on the 23rd at Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, 20 N 4th Street, Suite 200, Wilmington, NC 28405.

Or pickup onsite 11/24/11  7:30 -8:15am

The Turkey Trot and Gobbler Fun Run/Walk
Our 2.4 Mile Turkey Trot around the Loop and our 1 Mile Gobbler Family Fun Run/Walk is designed to accommodate every person in your family, workplace and neighborhood. Gather all your family and friends and start Thanksgiving Day out right. Grandparents, toddlers, infants in strollers – those who want to create a little room for that Thanksgiving dinner – all are welcome to be a part of the Fun Run/Walk. The only “time” that matters is that we want you to have a good time at the Trot.

All proceeds benefit Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity.

More information and registration at:  www.WilmingtonTurkeyTrot.com

 Dick and Sandy

The Sky will be painted over Wrightsville Beach this weekend with kits! Flyers from all over will be on Wrightsville Beach, in front of Shell Island Resort to fill the sky with color from kites of unbelievable sizes and styles.  Join friends and families and meet new friends while filling the sky with kits. 365  FREE for the whole family.  It should be great flying weather. Come experience a magical weekend, no matter what age you are.   Event starts Nov 4 through 6th. There will be stunt kites, kites bigger than a bus, and all shapes of kites and skill level.   Bring a picnic lunch and don't forget the camera.

October Festivals....Day 126 - Wilmington, NC is known for its Fall festivals......if you visit Water Street this morning you will see empty streets and a few tourists mulling around......go back after work and it will be flooded with people.....head out there again tomorrow beginning and 10am and there will be thousands.....  There are so many great events during Riverfest weekend in Wilmington, NC.  Riverfest 2011 will surely be your best bet this weekend. Don't forget to stop in the City Market and visit the newest art gallery in Wilmington....the Lightfoot Gallery.....my friend Lisa is magnificent. Her paintings are pure inspiration.  Stop in and say "hi" to her.

The festival runs Friday October 7 to Sunday October 9.  www.WilmingtonRiverfest.com will provide you with the scheduled of musicians, direct you to the beer garden, the wine tasting, the Kid zone and more.   Fun for the whole family. 

 And don't forget the "Invasion of the Pirates" and the Pirates' Flotilla at dusk Saturday on the Cape Fear River....www.InvasionofthePirates.com.  Join your friends and family and the downtown businesses for all these activities including fireworks on Saturday starting at 9:05pm.  The Festival will finish Sunday with the Great Waiter's Wine Race at 2pm in CFCC's east parking lot. ....so have a great Friday, a great weekend and we'll see you there!!

Day 123 - http://ncspotfestival.com/..Don't miss out on the Spot Festival....Fun, Food...don't miss it.  If you love fish, you'll want to be here for the festivities.

The fun starts at 10:45 and spots are served at  11am on 9/24 and 9/25 in Hampstead, NC.  Fireworks at 9pm on Saturday after the show!. 

Day 122 - Its not to late to head out this evening to the "Sea Turtle Talk" 7pm at Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road on Pleasure Island. 

The Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project will have a talk on sea turtles. Bring the whole family  - it's a great event;

  Or if you don't want to drive to the beach check out the snake and turtle feeding at Halyburton Park from 4-4:30pm. This event costs $1.00 per person.... from 9-10pm there is a family night hike where the whole family can learn about nature.  You must pre-register at910 - 341-0075 so hurry. Cost for this $3

Day 121 - Every wonder about the Venus Fly Trap?    Wilmington is one of those special places where it grows WILD.   on July 16 take part in the Flytrap Frolic 9-11am at Alderman Elementary Schoold, 2025 Independence Blvd. FREE....get an up close look at these plants in the nature trail behind Alderman Elementary School.  There is an opportunity also to purchase your own Venus Fly Trap for $5.00...

The gated community of Landfall in Wilmington North Carolina has been referenced in many magazines, newspaper articles, and media outlets as one of the most desired addresses in Wilmington, or in North Carolina.  It was named "Best Address" in  Forbes magazine ranking of "Best Places," and is without a doubt one of the premier residential communities on the entire East Coast. 

The gated community of Landfall consists of approximately  2200 acres of lakes, ponds, conservation areas, walking paths, nature trails, fitness clubs, restaurants, tennis courts, and golf courses.  Designed to preserve and enhance the natural character of the land, there are two championship golf courses that take advantage of Landfall's abundant saltwater and freshwater marshes as well as panoramic views of Howe's Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Over 1400 families call the gated community of Landfall home, with many more homesites still available.  Landfall is home to many indivual neighborhoods, most of which have their own HOA's (Home Owner Associations).  Bay Colony is one of such neighborhoods where our new four bedroom three and one half bath listing at 2019 Bay Colony Lane is located.  

Location is the key with real estate, and these Bay Colony homes are located in a one street neighborhood surrounding one of Landfall's many small ponds.  Quality construction, and ease of living, are quite evident from the moment you enter this custom all brick 2900 plus square foot residence.  The large two story entrance foyer is graced with plenty of light from a decorative wood door with side panels, and a large arched window.  Gleaming hardwood floors welcome you from the foyer entrance, leading to a large open expanse of arched entries to all areas.  Custom architectural woodwork and built-in case-works, with antique leaded-copper windows, are some of the enhancements.  Exclusive made custom kitchen cabinets with granite counters, custom made fans, light fixtures, and plumbing fixtures are a treat for the eyes. The large game room with plantation shutters, and formal dining room with coffered ceilings and wainscoting, open onto the oversized screened back porch leading to TWO upper and lower outside patios with beautiful arbors that are perfect for entertaining. This custom built home offers the busy professional an office/study situated adjacent to the foyer. 

The office features French doors, hardwood floors, and built-in bookcases with cabinets. A sound system through out the house, along with central vac, and security enhance living here. Bike, hike, walk, through all the tranquil 2,200 acres of Landfall and its huge nature preserve, with the best restaurants, shopping, and entertainment close by at your fingertips.

Yes you can have it all!  This custom home in Landfall is competitively priced at $524,000 just reduced to $498,000.  For more information, virtual tour, and a list of features on 2019 Bay Colony Lane go to the web site at www.WilmingtonRealEstate4U.com or www.BayColonyLaneLandfall.com or www.BayColonyLane.com

Day 120 Memorial Day at the Battleship to honor and pay respects to our veterans and those serving our Country and those no longer with us.  May 30, 5:45pm.   

Guest speakers include our Governor, US Senator Kay Hagan and more.  Come out to pay your respects and here the wonderful Military musical arrangements.  More details at www.battleshipnc.com