I found this blog and thought it was right on for our market right now:

The sagging economy is influencing home design as more home owners favor smaller indoor and outdoor spaces that are often cheaper to maintain. Forget the formal spaces that are rarely used. Home owners nowadays don’t want to waste space and want to use every square inch of their home.

Home sizes and lots continue to decrease as preferences grow for low maintenance property improvements, according to the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey for the first quarter of 2010.

“We continue to move away from the McMansion chapter of residential design, with more demand for practicality throughout the home,” AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker said in a public statement about the survey results. “There has been a drop off in the popularity of upscale property enhancements such as formal landscaping, decorative water features, tennis courts, and gazebos.”

To learn more about Wilmington real estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

This is a beautiful garden home located in Brunswick Forest, just minutes from historic downtown Wilmington!  This all brick, 3BR/3BA home has all of the high end finishes you would expect in a much more expensive home.  Brunswick Forest offers many great amenities such as a Wellness Center complete with indoor & outdoor pools, a fitness center, group fitness classes, walking and biking trails, area parks and it is also home to the area’s premier golf course, Cape Fear National!  To learn more about 3253 Gardenwood Drive or Wilmington area real estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

This week it looks like the area will have more mild temperatures and it looks perfect for looking at Wilmington real estate!  To learn more about the Wilmington area or Wilmington real estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

A typical weather week in the Wilmington area makes it a fantastic week for looking at area real estate!  To learn more about Wilmington area real estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

On the 4th at 4:00 pm there will be a new series in collaboration with the Cape Fear Jazz Society.  Bring your blanket or chairs and relax on the lawn to the sounds of America’s classic songs played by outstanding Wilmington artists. Beverages & gourmet snacks available. Tonight’s artist: The show will take place at the Bellamy Mansion in Historic Downtown Wilmington.  To learn more about this even or Wilmington NC Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

Another great week in the Wilmington area!  The temperatures will not be as hot as this week so it will be perfect for outdoor activities and visits to the beach!  To learn more about Wilmington weather or Wilmington real estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

The monthly average sold  price in the Wilmington MLS is down by .3% from April and down 14.1% from May 2009.  The average sold price is down by $601 from April.  The May average sold price ($220,645) shows a decrease of 5.9% from year end 2009.  The average sold price has remained pretty consistent since March 2010 - $221,016 to April $221,246 and of course May at $220,645.  To learn more about the Wilmington MLS Statistics or Wilmington real estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.