Wilmington, NC Real Estate Blog

Funny how the name "Porters Neck" just outside of Wilmington, North Carolina, conjures up different images, thoughts or an area to different people. 

There is the "Porters Neck" area, Porters Neck Road, various small buisnesses ...Porters Neck Hardware, Porters Neck Post Office, Porters Neck Golf Course, and of course the "Porters Neck Plantation and Country Club" 

As a Realtor in this beautiful area of southeastern North Carolina, I have come to appreciate, notice and understand the true life style consumers and homeowners are looking for in this unique community of Porters Neck.  Whether the climate, a job transfer, change of pace, retirement, or the beckoning call of some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast, Porters Neck Plantation is a wonderous place to call home!

I recently had the pleasure of representing a retiring couple from the Cincinnati, Ohio area in the purchase of their new dream home.  They had reshearched numerous areas, looked at many homes throughout the south, and had thought that this area would be the perfect spot.  A multitude of reasons why they chose Porters Neck and the Wilmington area is....well, it's Porters Neck Plantation.

A little history is in order, Porters Neck Plantation was founded in 1989, and is tucked away in the northern section of New Hanover county in Wilmington, NC, along the Intracoastal Waterway.  It offers it's residents  650 plus acres of lush beauty, soft ocean breezes, thousands upon thousands of wild azaleas bursting with vibrant colors.  AND, and some of the most beautiful homes and home sites in North Carolina, many of which have won numerous medals and awards for their excellence of design and construction.

Many of the residents came for the security of a planned gated community, or the highly rated Tom Fazio designed Par 72 golf course, or the private community boat ramp with access to the Atlantic Ocean, or walking trails with picnic areas, or for the tennis programs, or the exclusive equity membership features Porters Neck offers including sports, dining, golf, and swimming in the larger than life pools.  All sorts of indivualized membership programs are available....pick and choose just what suits your fancy.

Social events abound... you would be hard-pressed to find an activity that did not meet with your life style...that's it!!  Life style!....Want a perfect life style, a mild climate, amenties second to none, and a dream home to appreciate for years to come?  Well then it is all here in Porters Neck Plantation.

LOOKING TO HIRE BUYER'S AGENT FOR REAL ESTATE TEAM IN WILMINGTON, NC

We receive more quality leads daily than we can handle and are looking for an aggressive buyer's agent to join our team. These buyers are looking to purchase in Wilmington, at the beaches and in Pender and Brunswick Counties.  This is a great problem to have wouldn't you say?    Many of these buyer's are ready to purchase, many need nurturing and constant communication.  Many require us to do research.

So why are we running this ad?  We need a NC Licensed, experienced REALTOR to work with us.   There are a lot of responsibilities that come with this position. 

First, you only get paid when you have a closing and that would be at a high split.  

You have to work  some long hours,  some weekends, and evenings many times. 

 You can't be afraid to call someone on the phone and you need to know how to take rejection and move on to the next prospect.  

You need to be friendly in managing your incoming and outgoing calls.

Computer experience is a MUST.

You need to know how to enter information into a data base and follow-up with people on a regular basis.   We are not looking to train a "newbie" unfortunately, although we have done that in the past and they have gone on to make  6 figure salaries.    

Real Estate today requires hard work.   Sales are not easy this year and probably won't be easy next year, but our lead generation system has thousands of clients needing your nurturing along with ours.  

Some of the other things we need assistance with are marketing,  prospecting, listing  and closing support and website maintenance.  We are looking for an energetic, positive individual to work with us, not for us. 

If you are interested and feel you are up to the task at hand, give us a call at 910-431-2572 or email us at rbeals2@ec.rr.com and oh by the way if you are wondering who we are, we are Dick and Sandy Beals of Wilmington Real Estate 4U.....

Dick Beals

Welcome to a  new listing that is a perfect fit for the parent and student (or students)  View the virtual tour here.  Perfect for the student, as it is in the sub-division of  Stones Throw (catchy name uh?) and a stones throw from the campus of UNCW, and within walking distance to shopping, coffee shops and pizza joints (college students live on pizza...trust me on that one)

904 Dolphin Court is also perfect for the parent.  Why? Do the numbers.  A student living on campus cost dear old Mom and Dad about $600 per month, along with food, entertainment, dates, and mad money.  Probably a conservative $1000 per month, plus the tuition...it is a huge expense to put a student through college these days.  Why not purchase this nice town-home, get 2 of your son's or daughter's friends to move in with them at $500 per month each, and share utilities and expenses? 

The cost of owning this town-home will be under $1000 per month, the kids students will be happier living off campus by themselves, and you will have a rental property in four years or a nice place to use while you are at the beach. Or maybe sell it at a profit when the son and daughter graduate.  Yes a profit!  Talk to your tax person or accountant to understand the tax benefits of owning this investment tax write-off.

Need financing?  Ever hear the term Kiddie-Condo-Loans? These are perfect for this!  AND if the stimulus package goes through, as expected, the time is NOW.  Don't wait!! homes will be selling, and in two or three years you do not want to be heard saying....

"I should have bought when the market was down"  "I should have listened to Dick and Sandy Beals from Wilmington Real Estate 4u!"

Dick Beals

You won't want to miss this custom built home in Bayshore Estates!  312 Windsong Road is the builders own personal home and is loaded with some fabulous amenities and upgrades.

This craftsman style home has a full front porch & is located in a water access community of Bayshore Estates.  Features include Bolivian hardwood floors, open floor plan, cherry cabinets in the open kitchen, gas stove and large island, Bose speakers, HD TV monitor in master bath, fireplace in living room and master, screen porch, raised interior baseboards, custom coiffured and vaulted ceilings with recessed lights.

The list goes on..... Formal dining room, decorative art niche lend this home to show a choice of elegant flair. The Master suite also features a sitting area, separate shower w/ multiple shower heads.

The open airy feeling evokes a sense of class and refinement,  as you look out onto your large rear yard while listening to the gentle sounds of the waterfall

The screen porch overlooks your  landscaped yard, complete w/ hot tub on the deck, separate screened gazebo for grilling, treated pond, waterfall. The FROG (Finished Room Over Garage) is fully equipped and has it's own private entrance.  Double driveway, ample storage and RV parking. Priced under appraisal and built to the highest standards.

Make 312 Windsong Road your new home and enjoy vacationing right in your own neighborhood.

Dick Beals

<!-- <hr id="picHR"> -->

Welcome to  1202 Upper Reach Drive  in Wilmington, North Carolina!  If you are a large family looking for a home that is neighborhood friendly, conveniently located close to schools, shopping, and the beach, than look no further!!

This 3200 plus square foot home features a master bedroom plus 2 good size bedrooms on the first floor, and 2 more bedrooms upstairs.  There is a huge FROG (that is NC talk for Finished Room Over Garage) a loft area for an office, and plenty of room for all the kids.

This well maintained and lovingly cared for home is on a quaint street that features plenty of trees and winds around the neighborhood to the end of the cul-de-sac. 

Volume ceilings create a large open feeling and the large windows and skylights let plenty of natural light in.   This lovely home was built in 1993 and does have all the popular upgrades, such as whirlpool tub, hard surface counters, convenient laundry room, 2 car side load garage, along with a nice outside deck with seating to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

1202 Upper Reach Drive is priced well below comparable homes of this size and is just waiting for a new owner....maybe you?

Dick Beals

Forbes Magazine just recently listed the "America's Top Recession Proof Cites" and North Carolina's Raleigh at number 5, and Charlotte at number 9 made the list!

Texas had 4 top cities....San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth!  Other cities that are said to have recession proof cities were San Jose California, Salt Lake City Utah, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, and Seattle Washington. 

In a nutshell,  recession proof means these areas are, or will have, a great economy, low unemployment, affordable housing, top education and health services, along with a host of other services and opportunities that measures a cities potential for growth and WEALTH.  Without alienating Seattle these cities were all in warmer climates (I guess if it ever stops raining, Seattle could be considered warm) 

Of these top ten cities only Raleigh and Charlotte were on the east coast.  Wilmington, North Carolina IS on the coast!!  North Carolina also recently made the list of the third most attractive state  people WERE MOVING TO (but that is another list story).  Charlotte and Raleigh provide many of those relocated folks... if only for a vacation home, or for a quick week-end get-a-way, as we are only a short highway drive away.

Forbes has been putting together these top ten lists for many years (maybe an idea from "The Letterman Show")  who was first is... unknown.  Americans have an addiction to lists, seems like every show or magazine has one or more lists we can check out. 

So after this brief history of lists and top cities....I have decided to have my list.  My list is very simple and straight forward, I am calling it.....

       "The Number One Best Small City for Moving too on the East Coast, as

         There Are Beautiful Beaches, Excellent Weather, Low Unemployment,

        Great Hospitals, Southern Values and Charm, and only a Short Drive From Raleigh and Charlotte

Welcome to Wilmington, North Carolina"

I may have to shorten that title a bit!

 Anyway, I would be happy to send out a package to anyone needing information on this vibrant city, just send me an email or call.  If you need it QUICKER please log on to our web site at www.WilmingtonRealEstate4U.com and look at these links...Number 1 in my Heart!   That's it...I'll call it:

     "Wilmington, North Carolina... Number 1 in Your Heart"

Dick Beals

We recently listed for sale a nice maintenance free brick patio home in Cypress Island, just off River Road in Wilmington, North Carolina.  For you newcomers or folks in other areas, Cypress Island is about 12 miles south of the city Wilmington.  Traveling from Wilmington, on Carolina Beach Road, you will pass through the thriving community of Monkey Junction (more on that name in another article).  Carolina Beach is only a short 5 minute drive from Cypress Island, which is also close to major shopping and attractions.

There are 107 town homes, with 126 patio homes, all surrounding a par 3 golf course, and  a couple of ponds.  The homes here range in price from the 180's for a town home, and up, to 300k plus for a larger patio home with many upgrades available.  This community is about 7 years young, so there will be no further construction going on to interrupt the peacefulness.   7829 Cypress Island Drive is a well kept home, gently lived in by a business man during the work week before heading back to the Raleigh area. 

Cypress Island is perfect for the young family just starting out, the retiree, or empty nester (snowbirds) as there is golfing on the par 3 course, swimming in the community pool, tennis courts, and maybe a fish or two to catch in one of the ponds nearby. 

What is very attractive to the home owner here is, most of the homes are brick, feature plenty of room, 2 car garages, and the HOA (home owners association) dues of $100 per month include all lawn maintenance and trash pick up.  This along with the pool, tennis, clubhouse, and a host of amenities, surely make this a desirable area in which to call home.

7829 Cypress Island Drive is sure to please....it features a nice view of the pond, and the 8^thgreen (a golfers dream) from the enclosed screen porch.  Also included is a corner fireplace, volume ceilings, breakfast bar, and a walk in laundry area.  It is MLS listing number 420841 in any of the national listing registers, or can be viewed on the web site at www.7829CypressIslandDrive.com. This beautiful patio home is just the right home for your consideration...and priced under $230,000.

Just recently a new web site for Cypress Island has been created at Cypress Island HOA

Dick Beals

Blue Point is a sub-division of 100+ patio homes, and 50+ custom built homes. The neighborhood features a large pool, clubhouse, and tennis courts for the residents. This neighborhood is home to many retirees, young families, empty-nester's, and folks wanting a piece of the great life this community affords it's residents.

The patio homes currently range in price from about 300k to almost 400k depending on the style and floor plan. They range in size from 1800 square feet to over 2700 square feet, all are brick exterior and all have two car garages. The patio homes are in a HOA (home owners association) and pay a monthly fee of $80.00 which includes lawn care, some mulch at spring time, and use of all facilities. The homes are perfect for retirees!

The custom homes are on Blue Point Drive, which surrounds the neighborhood. More than 50% of the custom homes back up to Pages Creek, which affords those lucky homeowners incredible views of the marsh and the wildlife that calls Blue Point it's home as well. Plenty of birds....Herons, hawks, and many deer come grazing along at all times. It is certainly a great area for watching wildlife! These homes are all different designs and sizes....some larger than 4000 square feet, and most of them in the 2600 and up size. Prices range from the high 300k to 850k. The lucky residents here also use all the facilities, with monthly dues around $40.00 per month....talk about bargains.

Blue Point is just off Market Street (Route 17) traveling north from Wilmington, almost on the Pender County line. There is plenty of shopping near by, and a new I-40 connector to all major highways, so getting around and being close to everything is right in your back yard.

Blue Point has a great feel to it....friendly neighbors, fun things to do at the club house, walking trails, and always a great time meeting your neighbors at the pool. This is truly a friendly neighborhood, and one that is also a great real estate investment as well!  Blue Point web site

Dick Beals

 Yesterday I had a call from a visitor from Queens New York, (Richard and Tina) to show them one of our listings (www.9007SedgleyDrive.com) in the golf course community "The Cape"  

They were vacationing here in Wilmington, North Carolina, or as they put it "wintering" till the end of March.  That is not such a big deal, as Wilmington has become an attractive place for retirees, vacationers,  and beach goers to "winter"  In fact Wilmington has quite a few ex New Yorkers, New Jerseyians (?) and other assorted "Yankees" calling Wilmington home.  It also has a huge population from other cultures!  Let me explain.....

 Richard and Tina loved the house, and needed some time to think it over, and decided to talk over dinner later that evening.  As the conversation progressed, and as usual, they asked me many questions regarding the Wilmington area.....housing, schools, shopping, arts, pricing, and WHERE to EAT.  Tina is originally from Taiwan and missed all the big New York city restaurants, for her favorite "Asian" delicacies. 

 I named 5 or  6 Asian restaurants that Sandy and I have frequented, and promised them I would email them a few more that I would remember later.  They needed addresses, (GPS in the family car) so I rushed back to the computer to fulfill my promise. 

 Wilmington has over 500 Restaurants!   Asian Restaurants.....52.  

  I had my work cut out for me emailing all those restaurants and phone numbers and information.  (I know I should have just given them the phone book and directions to the restaurant yellow pages)  We REALTORS sometimes get caught up in thinking our recommendations are of no use to folks unless we have physically dined there as well. 

 My research on Asian Restaurants was indeed thorough, comprehensive and full of " I've been there...really good!"  They surely had enough places to choose from....even to the end of March, I doubt they would visit them all. 

 With over 500 Restaurants of all styles, cultural themes, food choices, and ethnic backgrounds, Wilmington surely is a diverse destination for anyone wanting to discover a fine restaurant.

 No matter where you came from, or how you found Wilmington NC, you will find Wilmington to be a great choice for any taste. 

 Oh by the way, they ended up at the Banyan Cafe on Market Street, (about a mile from my office)  Richard and Tina recommended the Banyan to me....going to check it out this Saturday

Dick Beals

One more week till Thanksgiving....sometimes I feel like a kid on Christmas morning, we really look forward to the "Trot" more info here.....Wilmington Turkey Trot for Habitat for Humanity

This next week is a real full week for us, and we just love meeting, conversing, and the good cheer that accompanies this true American holiday.  Habitat for Humanity is a great cause for REALTORS as it truly fits in with our dream of helping folks realize the American Dream.  If any AR participants would like to donate, feel free to go to the web site at http://www.wilmingtonturkeytrot.com/ and sign up. I will make sure that you receive an "official Turkey Trot T-Shirt"  and they are sure to become a collectors item, as only 500 will be passed out this year.  It is also a tax deduction, and you all know that it is for a worthy cause.  $15.00 is all it costs.....come on it is for Habitat for Humanity....show that you care  THANKS

Dick Beals