Diane Parker

With lots of homes on the market for sale, I've listed some tips for sellers to get their home sold:

1. Hire a full service Realtor!!!!! This is probably one of your biggest investments - You need the superior quality of an educated professional to have the edge in this market!
2. Storage - Make the investment to store extra furniture or clothes that clog up closets and garages. Clear your kitchen counters of appliances and clutter. Your home needs to scream spaciousness and plenty of storage.
3. Be gone - Leave your house well before showings! You want the buyers to be able to picture themselves in your home. They can't do this with you in it. It is also uncomfortable for buyers to be in your home with you there.
4. Buyer Incentives...Offer to pay closing costs or some other from of bonus to "sweeten the pot" for a buyer when they are making a purchasing decision. They have lots to choose from right now!
5. Selling Agent Commission: Don't discount it - that agent is the hero who is bringing you a qualified buyer!!!
6. Price your home right! Doing all of the above won't matter if you don't price your home correctly. Again, your full service Realtor is qualified to do this! Also please keep in mind that starting a bit lower could get you multiple offers even in this market. More importantly, starting lower would save you thousands and thousands in carrying costs that your home would be incurring while it sits on the market at a higher price!

Houses are still selling in Wilmington. The important part is positioning your home correctly in this market! For more information on Wilmington NC homes, visit www.thekeytowilmington.com

Many people feel that as long as there is water in the Cape Fear River, Wilmington area residents will have plenty of water available to use. The actual source of our water is located about 130 miles upstream from Jordan Lake in Chatham county. Raw water intake comes from approximately 23 miles upstream in Bladen County. If Chatham County is dry, Wilmington can have rain and our water source still be effected.

Studies show that Wilmington residents use approximately 138 gallons of water per day, Click on the chart below to see how Wilmington Residents are doing with conservation efforts. For more information on the Wilmiington NC area, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com

What a beautiful weekend in Wilmington, NC for early February! With temperatures in the low-mid 60's, it was a great time for many to get out and explore all that downtown Wilmington has to offer. With mild temperatures, locals and visitors alike, strolled the Riverwalk, experiencing Wilmington's charm and historical ambiance. Across the river, there are views of the USS North Carolina. Riverboat tours are available on the Henrietta III. Elijahs, The Pilot House, and Water Street Restaurant are some of the regions favorite restaurants. There's also plenty of shopping from nostalgic to the more modern trend. For additional information on the Wilmington area, visit www.thekeytowilmington.com

Wilmington is a great place to call home, and now may be the best time to buy, with over 3000 properties available in New Hanover County. There is something for everyone in all sizes, price ranges, and types of homes. With low interest rates available, market activity is increasing.

In 2007, while median home prices dropped 1.4 percent nationally, they rose here in the Wilmington area by 3.6 percent, to $211,377, according to data from the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors.

Wilmington with it's rich history, mild climate, beautiful beaches, medical services, university, shopping, and arts is a destination city. Visit www.thekeytowilmington.com to view available homes, and consider getting in the market before prices increase.

New construction "inventory" homes can be an excellent opportunity for buyers who have located the area they want to purchase a home and are ready to purchase now instead of waiting for a home "to be built". Builders generally are ready to move these homes. They have carrying costs associated with these homes, and they don't like to see them sit vacant for too long.
Buyers can benefit from purchasing these homes. Buyers may ask for discounts, appliances, closing costs, or other concessions. There is a chance the builder may say yes, and the worst they can say is no. Contingencies on the sale of another home generally will not be an option, however. Many of the homes that are spec homes or inventory homes are out there due to a result of a purchaser defaulting on a contract, possibly due to financing.
Remember, it's best to have a Buyers Agent representing your best interests on these properties. On-site reps or builder reps represent the Seller (the builder), where a Buyers Agent will represent your best interests. The above is my opinion only, and I suggest every home purchase be researched individually. For more information on homes for sale in Wilmington, NC, give me a call at 910-617-5244 or visit www.thekeytowilmington.com