Intracoastal Agent Connie Parker on Baby Boomer Bungalows...   I am proud to be a member of the BABY BOOMER generation! We grew up in a time when the new industrialized world was at the end of a world war with all it’s heartaches and difficulties. Our parents were ready to start their families and begin their new lives in a country full of hope and vitality. Some of my favorite memories, when I was little, was going to Myrtle Beach, SC to “ROSS HAVEN”, our favorite family gathering vacation house. It wasn’t ours, we just divided up the cost between grandparents, cousins, aunts & uncles, it was a wonderful mass of “kin”.  The one story cottage was right on ocean front with wood plank siding. Inside the walls didn’t go all the way to the ceiling and of course there was no insulation back then.  There were about 6 tiny bedrooms ... [More]

Do you need some ideas for Cupid's Big day? Planning ahead can go a long way, especially since there are so many activities going on this weekend in around the Port City. From river cruises, aquarium dinners, wine tastings, music and trivial pursuit at the Senior Center you are sure to find a plan.  This is a great time to show your support of area businesses hosting these events.      Romantic Valentine Carriage Ride  February 11-14Treat your sweetheart to a moonlight carriage ride for two. Surprise him or her with a red rose, a box of chocolates, and your private French evening coach. By private reservation only. Call Springbrook Farms for pricing at 910-251-8889 or email. Location: Downtown Wilmington Hold Your Honey Tight Fright Night Massacre Tour  February  10- 14 The tours will include all the misguid... [More]

    Consider following these ideas to make the buying and selling process run a bit smoother. Having a plan, and following it through with it, will help you stay focused on your goal to buying or selling. Think about fixing up the house--now. Start a list of home improvement projects to lessen the time it will take to prepare your home for the market. Remember that we see don’t always see the wear and tear but prospective buyers are looking through your house with a fine tooth comb. Clean out the house now. Save time now, get some boxes and start to organize some of the clutter. Give yourself time to reminisce before belongings move into the trash pile! Price my house as though we're living in 2011 and not 2007. Hire a real estate professional to research and see what comparable houses are going for in your neighborhood and price accordingly. Your property ... [More]

Since we are nearing the spooky time of year we thought it would be a fun time to share the scariest houses around. Zillow.com recently shared an article, "America's Most Haunted Homes" that showcased the 10 scariest homes in the US and an estimate on what each house is worth. But what can a haunting do to the value of a home? According to Stan Humphries, Chief Economist at Zillow.com, it’s a toss up. "Whether it helps or hurts a home’s appeal is largely a function of the nature of the haunting," he says, noting that there is very little empirical data on this question. "Of course," he says, "for a particularly macabre buyer, a house that is haunted might fetch a higher price. In real estate as in all things, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder." Our area has been known for its own haunted spaces as well. Wilmington is an old port city, incorporated centuries ago,... [More]

Warren Buffett turns 80 today so it seems fitting to share some of his real estate investing knowledge. What an amazing man he is- doesn't look like he is slowing down yet! 13 QUOTES FROM WARREN BUFFETT 1. “Look at market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy; profit from folly rather than participate in it.” Translation: Today’s market fluctuations are your friend because they’ve scared off your competition…other investors. They’re also your friend because the fluctuations have caused there to be a flood of motivated sellers. And as any savvy investor knows, buying from motivated sellers is the only way to make it in this business. 2. “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” Translation: Keep plenty of tools (investing techniques) in your tool belt so that you can adapt to a cha... [More]