The Tidewater Camellia Club will host their 59th annual Camellia show on Saturday from 12-5pm.  There will be approximately one thousand camellia blooms, grown inside and outdoors. The blooms will compete for exquisite prizes and more importantly, “bragging rights.” A panel of American Camellia Society certified judges adjudicates the blooms.  The show will be held at the Shrine Club located at  4510 South College Road.  To learn more about the Camellia club or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

Coming into 2009, there is a lot of promise for this year to be better than 2008.  With the potential recovery of the credit markets and the amount of housing inventory available, this makes the spring of 2009 a very desirable time to purchase real estate.

Our median sales price for 2008 ($215,000) reflects a small downturn of 6.7% from 2007($230,000) and maintains the same median as 2006 ($215,000). In 2008, we continue to see a small market correction in average sales price; we decreased 6.8% from year end 2007. Just two zip codes had average decreases of 9.6% and 15.7% while three zip codes managed slight decreases of 1.2% to 1.9%. A total of three zip codes had an increase in concessions offered to buyers on the sales price; concessions are now offered in 14% to 25% of the transactions in 2008.

Our market has experienced a decline of 30% in number of homes sold in 2008 compared to 2007. All five zip codes experienced a decline from 20% to 43%. Our list to sales price ratio for 2008 is 95.4% a slight decrease from 96.7% for 2007. Sellers in 28412 got about 96.5% of their asking price while those in 28403 only got 92.7% of their asking price. 2009 can be a good market for our area with an inventory of homes available and interest rates low, this would make a great time to buy.

This is all the more reason for consumers to call a REALTOR® now to help them prepare for this opportunity.  REALTORS® have the knowledge, tools, and experience to help buyers and sellers make good, sound decisions with our local market and get the best deal for their clients.

To learn more about Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythcoast.com.

The beginning of the work week is going to a bit chillier than it has been, however by Friday it looks like we will have a touch of Spring!  There are plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed and there is plenty of Wilmington  real estate to look at.  To learn more about Wilmington Weather or Wilmington real estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com,

Here are the statistics for zip code 28412 for 2008: 

• The average selling price, of $212,229 has decreased 9.6% from 2007 year-end average selling price of $234,792.  
• 23.8% of sellers in 2008 paid a concession, compared to 19.9% in 2007.
• The average list price of $219,737 for 2008 has decreased 8.6% over the 2007 year-end average list price of $240,472.
• The average number of days a property remained on the market for 2008 was 114 days, compared to 86 days for year end 2007.
• The median sold price of $189,950 for 2008 has decreased 7.4% to $205,198 from year end 2007.
• Sold homes in 2008 received 96.5% of the asking price, a decrease from 97.6% year end 2007.

To learn more about these statistics or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

Yesterday was the private grand opening for Brunswick Forest’s new neighborhood, Shelmore.  Brunswick Forest is located just ten minutes to downtown Wilmington in Leland.  Since my husband and I live in Brunswick Forest we took advantage of the gorgeous sunny day on Saturday and walked to the opening.  Shelmore is a quiet enclave of single family, bungalow-style homes the creates the feel of the historic Arts & Crafts communities of the early 20th century.  They all offer a front porch with an old fashioned swing, white picket fencing and stone/brick accents.  The look is nostalgic but the feel is contemporary with open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, spacious master suites and high-end finishes.  There are nine floor plans ranging from 2100-2750 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2-3 baths plus an optional bonus room and a two-car garage.  The prices start at 379,500.  If you are interested in learning more about Shelmore or Wilmington area real estate call me at 910-431-9395 or email me at karen@livingbythecoast.com.

This is a wonderful, single family home in Sunset South which is conveniently located to downtown Wilmington, the Cape Fear River, and New Hanover Regional Medical Center.    This Sunset South home is located on a corner lot with fenced backyard.  It is a great value and won’t last long!  To learn more about this Sunset South home or Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.

This Saturday the YMCA will hold an aquathon (swim-run-swim) with an award breakfast banquet to follow. The race will begin at the YWCA on College and Holly Tree Road, follow Holly Tree to Web Tree (cut behind Holly Tree Elementary, Make left on Greenhowe, right on Marsh Hawk to Pine Valley Drive, Pine Valley to Chalmers Dr, back to Greenhowe, Holly Tree to the YWCA. Call 910.799.6820 for more details.  To learn more about Wilmington Real Estate contact me at 910-431-9395 or visit my website at www.livingbythecoast.com.