<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Wilmington North Carolina Real Estate News &amp; Listings Presented By Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty</title><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:31:10 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title>1020 Lanterns Ln, Leland 28451</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1020-Lanterns-Ln-Leland-North-Carolina/images/index/376554/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	Pristine&nbsp;brick home built&nbsp;in traditional style. The Catalina floor plan w/ bonus room features 3 bedrooms/ 2 full bath, hardwood floors throughout the living area, granite counter tops and cherry cabinets in kitchen as well as pendulum lighting at breakfast bar, tiled backsplash and recessed lighting. The breakfast nook is bright and cheery and the formal dining room has added elegance with chair railing. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace surrounded by brick masonry and lots of natural light in the livingroom. Private master bedroom suite has trey ceiling, walk-in closet, adjoining bath with dual sinks/vanities, garden tub and shower. Bonus room is perfect for home office, familyroom or 4th bedroom. This home was built to Stevens Energy Wise standards for energy efficiency and been meticulously maintained when built in&nbsp;2007. Grayson Park is a great community with wooded conservation areas, community clubhouse with kitchen, fitness room and entertaining space. There are 2 pools, lighted tennis courts and playground.</p>
]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1020-Lanterns-Ln-Leland-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1020-Lanterns-Ln-Leland-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:40:19 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>2632 Bridgewater Cv, Wilmington 28411</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/2632-Bridgewater-Cv-Wilmington-North-Carolina/images/index/376191/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Elegance & exceptional style describe this upgraded home in Hidden Pointe on the Lake and shows better than a brand new house! Be ready to be impressed w/ all the added upgrades & special attention given to every room. The Great Room has vaulted ceilings, bricked fireplace & hardwood floors. The kitchen has granite, stainless steel appliances & custom cabinets, shelving, & detailed tile backsplash. The dining area has added charm w/ wainscoting, paneling, & plantation shutters. Relax in master bedroom suite w/ sitting area & private door to back porch. French doors lead into spacious bath featuring dual pedestal sinks, tiled shower, clawfoot tub & custom designed closet. Screened porch overlooks lush backyard & wood area w/ upgraded privacy fencing. Added features include: irrigation system, plantation shutters, bonus room, satin no VOC paint, beadboarding, palladium window & carefree living w/ yard maintenance included in HOA fees. Gated w/ amenities to include pool & club house.]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/2632-Bridgewater-Cv-Wilmington-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/2632-Bridgewater-Cv-Wilmington-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:38:15 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Priced to Sell  Meticulously Maintained Home in Ogden Area</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/2614-Bow-Hunter-Dr-Wilmington-North-Carolina/images/index/364367/0/t" title="Front View" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Priced to Sell! This like new and very well maintained 3BR, 2 BA home is located in the desirable Courtney Pines community in the Ogden area. This Jasmine floor plan built by Everett Builders is ready to move in and be called home. Open floor plan features spacious great room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace, kitchen has plenty of work space and stainless appliances, there is an informal dining area that leads out to an oversized back patio and the master bedroom suite has private bath with dual sinks and vanities with his and her closets. Outside there is a built in irrigation system, nicely landscaped, decorative wood backyard fence for added privacy and an ideal location for entertaining and relaxing. Other features include recessed lighting, additional room for storage or parking in attached garage, extended parking pad and low maintenance vinyl siding. This part of town is USDA Eligible for 100% financing, great for first time buyers! One year home warranty package is included.]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/2614-Bow-Hunter-Dr-Wilmington-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/2614-Bow-Hunter-Dr-Wilmington-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:37:54 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>209 Hibiscus Way, Wilmington 28412</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/209-Hibiscus-Way-Wilmington-North-Carolina/images/index/363081/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>
	Well maintained all brick town home priced to sell! Located in Independence South adjacent to Echo Farms Golf and Country Club. Great open floor plan with vaulted ceilings in living room, kitchen and master bedroom. Split bedroom plan allows for privacy in master bedroom suite with private bath and his &amp; her closets. Lots of space in kitchen that opens to the informal dining area and eat at bar. All kitchen appliances convey as well as washer/dryer. Fresh paint, 2 assigned parking spaces, guest parking, covered front porch and a private fenced back patio/courtyard with secured storage area make this well priced home irresistible! Centrally located to shopping, beaches, historic downtown, mall, golf and medical facilities. Best priced unit in community and move in ready!</p>
]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/209-Hibiscus-Way-Wilmington-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/209-Hibiscus-Way-Wilmington-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:36:49 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Well Maintained Home With Bonus Room &amp; Screened Back Porch</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/7228-Culloden-Ct-Wilmington-North-Carolina/images/index/350889/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Exceptionally maintained home situated on a cul-de-sac lot. The Regatta Floor Plan features vaulted ceilings, bright spacious living room with corner gas fireplace, split bedroom plan with bonus room that makes perfect 4th bedroom, office, or playroom. Master suite has a trey ceiling, private bath with garden tub, separate shower, dual vanity plus a huge walk-in closet. The open floor plan features a breakfast nook and eat at bar. Beautiful hardwoods throughout living areas.  The kitchen boasts upgraded beadboard cabinets, upgraded counter tops, recessed lighting, double sinks and electric flat top range and built in microwave. The screened back porch overlooks the backyard, which is fully fenced for added privacy. Nicely landscaped with built in irrigation system. Low maintenance brick & vinyl exterior with covered front porch. Located just minutes from Ogden Park, makes this home irresistible at this price! Home warranty included for extra peace of mind.]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/7228-Culloden-Ct-Wilmington-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/7228-Culloden-Ct-Wilmington-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:36:54 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Well Maintained &amp; Gorgeous Inside &amp; Out Priced to Sell!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/123-Scrub-Oaks-Dr-Hampstead-North-Carolina/images/index/330259/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Fabulous brick home in country setting with plenty of upgraded features. Split bedroom floor plan w/ bonus room that could be used as a 4th bedroom w/ full bath & closet on 2nd floor. Private Master Suite w/ trey ceiling, walk-in closet, large bath, dual sinks & vanities, jetted tub & separate shower. The elegant formal dining room has wainscoting, chair rails and trey ceiling. Vaulted ceilings, built ins & fireplace in living room. Kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances, granite, pantry closet, informal eating area & breakfast bar. Glass doors lead out to a large screened porch overlooking a lush lawn & fully fenced backyard. A large storage shed in back was specifically matched to the house exterior. Large lot w/ front & back irrigation systems. Side loading oversized finished garage. Laundry room & baths are tiled. There are wood floors throughout living area. This pristine home has been meticulously cared for and shows like a brand new home! Home warranty included for peace of mind.]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/123-Scrub-Oaks-Dr-Hampstead-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/123-Scrub-Oaks-Dr-Hampstead-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Sat, 06 Aug 2011 19:37:11 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Fabulous Brick Home in Gated Community With Great Amenities</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1002-Primivera-Ct-Wilmington-North-Carolina/images/index/329210/0/t" title="Front" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Fabulous brick home in the beautiful gated community of Evergreen Park. Spacious floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, formal dining room, breakfast nook, kitchen, laundry room and bright living room with vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, lots of large windows with transom windows above. Private master bedroom suite has it's own bath with dual sinks and vanities, corner soaking tub and separate shower. 3 bedrooms upstairs with full bath and large bonus room. Screened porch off back overlooks lush backyard fully fenced with irrigation system. Recent updates include brand new HVAC, fresh paint inside and out, new water heater, new stainless steel appliances, window treatments plus plantation shutters. Well maintained and appointed. Community amenities to enjoy with pool, tennis and clubhouse on site. Great location to everything Wilmington has to offer! There is a transferable termite bond in place and a home warranty for added buyer peace of mind.]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1002-Primivera-Ct-Wilmington-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1002-Primivera-Ct-Wilmington-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:36:14 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Luxury Real Estate Stats in Wilmington, NC</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Year To Date Statistics in The Wilmington, NC Area For Properties Over $1,000,000</p>
<p>29 Sold YTD</p>
<p>Average Sale Price: $1,579,315</p>
<p>221 Active Luxury Properties Listed</p>
<p>Average List Price: 2,045,476</p>]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/Luxury-Real-Estate-Stats-in-Wilmington-NC</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/Luxury-Real-Estate-Stats-in-Wilmington-NC</guid><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:08:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Wilmington, NC Luxury Real Estate</title><description><![CDATA[<p>The Carolinas Finest &amp; Jessica Riffle Edwards specialize in  Luxury Real Estate in Wilmington, North Carolina.&nbsp; From Figure 8 Island  and it's beautiful beaches, Porters Neck and it's golf course,  Landfall's waterfront homes &amp; golfing, all the way to Ocean Front  homes on Wrightsville Beach, Jessica knows how to market and SELL luxury  homes!</p>
<p>Wilmington's beautiful coast, film industry, historic downtown and  intracoastal waterway make it an aboslute prime location for clients who  demand only the best in construction and quality.&nbsp; Since 2006, there  have been over 250 listings sold in the Wilmington Region at prices over  $1,000,000 with a total of over $463,000,000 sold in this price range.&nbsp;  Numbers like these don't lie and clearly show the potential and power  of the luxury market in and around Wilmington, North Carolina.&nbsp; Call  Jessica today to learn more about selling or buying a luxury home in the  Wilmington Region!</p>
<p>If you are looking to sell your luxury property in the Wilmington  Region, don't settle for the normal agent who will put your home in the  MLS and then forget about it. &nbsp;Call Jessica and have a complete  marketing plan created to show off your home's full potential and  features. &nbsp;Luxury real estate requires a different set of marketing and  knowledge skills that only a select group of agents can master. &nbsp;From  custom swimming pools and outdoor kitchens, to home theaters and  ocean-front locations; selling a luxury home in our region is not a  simple task. &nbsp;Jessica Edwards is here to help and make sure you get he  most amount of money for the luxury paradise you have invested so much  in!</p>]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/Wilmington-NC-Luxury-Real-Estate</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/Wilmington-NC-Luxury-Real-Estate</guid><pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 03:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Luxury Estate Ocean Front in Exclusive Figure Eight Island</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/188-Beach-S-Rd-Wilmington-North-Carolina/images/index/318591/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Welcome to your own paradise on exclusive Figure Eight Island! This luxurious 7 plus acre estate located at the southern end of the island has panoramic ocean to sound views from the entire house. Lots of windows to enjoy these views!  The elegant master bedroom suite has his and her spacious dressing areas complete with marble floors, walk-in closets, vanities,and built in dresser drawers. A private spa-like master bath has whirlpool and separate shower. Spacious gourmet kitchen perfect for enjoying time with friends and family features dual built-in ovens, 2 refrigerators, center island with seating and so much more! There are many luxurious features including an elevator,trey ceilings in most rooms with elegant moldings, oversized garage w/ additional storage,workshop,2 laundry rooms, grand foyer, window treatments, 2 sitting rooms,2 livingrooms,wet bar,home office and sunroom with views of ocean and in deck pool. Private well for irrigation. Maid quarters includes separate kitchen.]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/188-Beach-S-Rd-Wilmington-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/188-Beach-S-Rd-Wilmington-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:36:39 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Spectacular Brick Spacious Home in Short Sale Situation</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1097-E-Brickhaven-Cv-Leland-North-Carolina/images/index/266967/0/t" title="Front" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />4 bedrooms and a bonus room, plus 3 full baths, 2 car garage, and formal dining room are just some of the features that make this beautiful brick home on large corner lot in Brunswick Forest a dream!  The welcoming foyer opens into a great floorplan for anyone!  The gourmet kitchen features an eat at bar area, granite counter tops, glass tile backsplash, pantyy, and stainless steel appliances.Formal dining area and breakfast area off kitchen.Tons of closet space and storage through the entire home.  Private master suite on first floor that is separate from other bedrooms with huge master closet and spa like bath!  Upstairs is a 4th bedroom and full bath, plus more storage and a huge bonus room, perfect for play, office, or guests. Hardwood floors, built ins,screened in porch, shelving & storage in garage, one year home warranty, zero yard maintenance, and so much more! Resort like amenities to enjoy year round. In short sale situation, all offers are subject to 3rd party approval.]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1097-E-Brickhaven-Cv-Leland-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/1097-E-Brickhaven-Cv-Leland-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Sat, 06 Nov 2010 14:01:34 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Fabulous Home Bank Approved Short Sale in Process!!!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/8604-Pinkerton-Dr-Wilmington-North-Carolina/images/index/211306/0/t" title="Front" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Beautiful home in the desirable Abbey Glen community. This spacious home boasts plenty of upgrades throughout. Hardwood floors, upgraded fixtures, stainless steel appliances, vaulted ceilings & the large high windows in livingroom makes it bright & cheery. 1st floor spacious master bedroom suite w/ walk-in closet, private bath w/ garden tub & separate tiled shower. Home features a huge FROG that could be used as a 4th bedroom, large livingroom w/ fireplace, formal dining room, breakfast nook & 2 car garage. Exterior features include a covered brick front porch that overlooks a small pond, a large back deck & patio overlooking the private backyard. A perfect place for relaxing or entertaining. Nicely landscaped w/ irrigation system installed. Well situated on a quiet cul-de-sac lot. In short sale situation. All offers on this home are subjectto 3rd party approval Price is already in process of negotiations with bank.]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/8604-Pinkerton-Dr-Wilmington-North-Carolina</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/property/8604-Pinkerton-Dr-Wilmington-North-Carolina</guid><pubDate>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:02:20 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Real Estate Prices Increase</title><description><![CDATA[<p>RISMEDIA, July 14, 2008-Amidst the gloom on Wall Street about housing someone forgot to check the stats. The National Association of Realtors&reg; has now reported four straight months of rising housing prices, but it seems no one is listening.</p>
<p>According to NAR statistics, the median home price has fallen from a high of $230,200 in July 2006 to a low in February 2008 at $195,600, a drop of 15%. Since February, however, it has risen steadily every month. By May the index (which will be revised on July 24) had risen to $208,600, up $13,000 and a full 6.6%. Another indicator, the mean home price (otherwise known as the average home price), has also shown strength and has risen from a low of $242,000 also in February of this year to $253,100, a rise of $11,100 or 4.5%. It, too, has risen every month since February of this year.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I just don&rsquo;t know where Wall Street&rsquo;s brains are today,&rdquo; said David Michonski, CEO of Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy in New York City. &ldquo;Everyone on the Street is wringing their hands over housing when in fact the average American has been out this spring buying homes and pushing the median price higher. This has got to go down as one of Wall Street and Main Street&rsquo;s biggest disconnects in history.&rdquo;</p>
<p>In addition, on an annualized basis the volume of home sales has also risen somewhat from a low of 4,890,000 homes in January to 4,990,000 in May.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Rising prices on expanding volume should not a crisis make on Wall Street,&rdquo; says Michonski.</p>
<p>So why the crisis?</p>
<p>&ldquo;They say that there are bulls and bears on Wall Street but there are also pigs. Pigs try not just to profit from a crisis but create one to profit from. Today there are just so many people who have positioned themselves to profit from a crisis that they refuse to admit the reality of what is happening on Main Street. It might hurt their positions.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Is this the bottom?</p>
<p>&ldquo;No one can know for sure, but the hard data is clear. The median price has risen four straight months. The average American is out there taking advantage of bargains in their local real estate market. They are not listening to Wall Street but following their own belief that the best time to buy is when no one else is, and they are out there buying. If this keeps up, February may prove to have been the low in prices.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;It is possible that it will not be Hank Paulson or Ben Bernanke who will pull this country out of a housing recession, but the good common sense of the average American whose affordability to buy a home is at a five year high and is acting on it.&rdquo;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:50:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Wilmington 20th Fastest Growing City!</title><description><![CDATA[<font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black">RALEIGH (AP) -- <strong><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The Raleigh and Charlotte regions are among the Top 10 fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country.</span></strong></span></font>
<div style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0.15in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in" align="center"><font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black"></span></font></div>
<div style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0.15in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in" align="center"><font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black">U.S. Census Bureau data shows the Raleigh area ranking third with a 4.7 percent growth rate between 2006 and 2007. The region includes Wake, Johnston and Franklin counties, and it grew by more than 47,000 people.</span></font></div>
<div style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0.15in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in" align="center"><font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black">Charlotte</span></font><font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black"> ranks ninth with a growth rate of 4.2 percent. The six-county region includes parts of South Carolina and gained more than 66,700 people during the year.</span></font></div>
<div style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0.15in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in" align="center"><font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black">State demographer Bill Tillman told the News &amp; Observer of Raleigh the data isn't surprising. He said both areas have been growing rapidly for years but cautioned that the numbers are a year old and the growth rates are based on a short time period.</span></font></div>
<div style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0.15in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in" align="center"><strong><font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black">The next fastest-growing region in North Carolina was Wilmington, ranked 20th nationally.</span></font></strong><font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black"> Asheville ranked 100th.</span></font></div>
<div style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0.15in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in" align="center"><font color="#000000" size="2"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 9.5pt; COLOR: black"><br />
Information from: The News &amp; Observer, <a title="blocked::http://www.newsobserver.com/" target="_blank" href="http://www.newsobserver.com/">http://www.newsobserver.com</a></span></font></div>
<div style="BACKGROUND: white; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0.15in; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; LINE-HEIGHT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in" align="center">&nbsp;</div>]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:03:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Today's Economy</title><description><![CDATA[<font face="Tahoma" size="3">
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">We had an opportunity to hear Dr. Woody Hall, Senior Economist at UNCW yesterday with a forecast for what&rsquo;s ahead.&nbsp; The outlook is bright and there is still much positive to be said about Southeastern North Carolina.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">Here are some stats to consider:</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">While the national economy (when all figures are in) apparently grew at a rate of 2% last year, our region grew at 3.5%, a full 1.5% above the national rate! Predictions for 2008 have our growth projected at 4.5%.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">New Hanover County unemployment is under 4% which economists refer to as &ldquo;full employment&rdquo; considering people who are in transition on jobs.&nbsp;One job in five in our area is construction related (including all aspects of real estate and insurance).</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">Tourism for 2007 vs. 2006 was up 9% based on room tax figures.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">Airport traffic was up 25% year over year.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">Retail sales were down 1%.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">New vehicle sales were down 2% (not considered significant in the industry).</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">The container plant proposed for Brunswick County could add 20,000 jobs over 7 years.</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="2">&nbsp;</font></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><font size="2">And what Dr. Hall had to admit was a pretty strong intangible&mdash;<strong><em>it&rsquo;s a perfectly beautiful 66 degree day in early March</em></strong>&mdash;this is a pretty attractive place to live!</font></span></div>
<div style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">&nbsp;</div>
</font>]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/</guid><pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:16:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>10 Things You Should Know ABout Today's NC Real Estate Markets</title><description><![CDATA[<p>1.&nbsp; THERE&quot;S NO SUCH THINGS AS A NATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARKET.</p>
<p>If you read the newspapers, it is easy to get the idea that real estate markets are the same everywhere.&nbsp; If conditions are bad in Orlando or Los Angeles or Chicago, they must be bad everywhere, right?&nbsp; Wrong.&nbsp; All real estate is local.&nbsp; When you're looking&nbsp;to buy or sell, pay attention first to sales price trends, volume, and inventory in your target market or region, rather than to misleading headlines about national sales trends.</p>
<p>2.&nbsp; NORTH CAROLINA HOME VALUES ARE STABLE.</p>
<p>In 2007, the average sales price of a North Carolina home grew by 4 percent, an indicator that homes generally are still worth more now than they were just a few years ago.&nbsp; In fact, since 2000, the average home sales price in our state has risen by more than 25 percent.&nbsp; And in a 12-month period through September 2007, North Carolina had the seventh-highest appreciation in homes prices in the country.</p>
<p>3.&nbsp; HOUSING DEMAND IN NORTH CAROLINA IS ON THE RISE.</p>
<p>Even in what was considered a down year in 2007, there were more than 125,000 existing home sales in North Carolina - that's the third highest number ever, exceeded only by 2006 and 2005.&nbsp; And estimates indicate that the Tar Heel state's population will increase by more than 400,000 by 2010.&nbsp; These new North Carolinians will need a place to live!</p>
<p>4.&nbsp; A HOUSE IS WHERE YOU MAKE A HOME, NOT JUST A BUCK.</p>
<p>Most purchasers don't buy a house to flip it.&nbsp; They buy to live in it, to establish their roots, to raise a family and to build the American Dream.&nbsp; The value of strong communities, civic pride, comfortable retirement, and a higher quality of life can't simply be expressed on a balance sheet.</p>
<p>5.&nbsp; THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REPUTABLE MORTGAGE COMPANIES READY TO LEND.</p>
<p>If you have good credit and a realistic understanding of what you can afford, getting mortgage approval to purchase a home can be more easily attained.&nbsp; Help is also available through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency and other organizations.</p>
<p>6.&nbsp; OWNING A HOME BUILDS WEALTH IN A WAY THAT RENTING CAN'T.</p>
<p>According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average renter's net worth is $4,800.&nbsp; Contrast that to the average homeowner's net worth of $171,000.&nbsp; Clearly, it pays to own a home, as the hard earned equity you build will pay future dividends.</p>
<p>7.&nbsp; IT'S A PRIME TIME FOR SECOND HOMES.</p>
<p>Savvy investors and prospective retirees understand how important real estate is to their portfolios.&nbsp; Nationally, about 1/3 of all home sales are second homes or vacation properties; in North Carolina, that figure is nearly 40% - largely because of our inventory and desirable locations in the mountains and on the coast.</p>
<p>8.&nbsp; IT MAKES SENSE TO USE A NORTH CAROLINA REALTOR.</p>
<p>If you has a $150,000 legal question, would you deal with it without an attorney's assistance?&nbsp; If you a $150,000 income tax issue, would you dare risk not consulting a CPA?&nbsp; There are nearly 45,000 REALTORS in North Carolina, who subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain the highest level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling a home.</p>
<p>9.&nbsp; NOW REALLY IS THE TIME TO BUY.</p>
<p>Interest rates significantly dropped twice in January in an effort to stimulate the national economy.&nbsp; While North Carolina's economy hasn't suffered as much as some states, we nevertheless can benefit from those lower interest rates.&nbsp; The bottom line is this:&nbsp; If you're a buyer, this market is for you!</p>
<p>10.&nbsp; AND IF YOU'RE A SELLER, BE PATIENT...AND SMART.</p>
<p>Price your home correctly - your home's value is what someone else is willing to pay for it, not the price that you think it should sell for.&nbsp; Competitive pricing is the single biggest reason that a home sells or does not sell.&nbsp; REALTORS know the marketplace and help you determine an optimum sales price.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/</link><guid>http://www.thecarolinasfinest.com/Blog/</guid><pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:19:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
