Wrightsville Beach, NC - White Sand being DREDGED for the BEACH

YES WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH - you will have sand this year. The dredging boats and barges are working overtime in the channel pumping sand up from the channel and piping it to the pristine beaches of Wrightsville and Masonboro Island. THis is a very expensive propositon for the government and state but totally worth it as our tourists certainly expect the gorgeous white sand of Wrightsville to be there when they want to sun in it, play in it and relax o it. Don't worry folks when you come to town there will be sand....

Dredging Happening at Carolina, Wrightsville And The Islands

This weekend while showing property at Carolina and Kure Beaches I noticed the huge waves rolling in. These strong waves are certainly affecting our beaches. They erode away our precious sand which brings tourists and homebuyers to SE NC. However we are certainly lucky that the US Government and the state of North Carolina are involved in providing $ 22 million to dredge and renourish sand on the beaches of Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Masonboro Islands. It certainly is needed. Those dredging barges although big and nasty looking are a welcome sight as we know they will add sand and contribute sand to the gorgeous white sandy beaches we enjoy in Southeastern NC.

Intracoastal Realty Corp - A Company with a Conscience

I am an agent with Intracoastal Realty Corp. It is a privately owned company started by a giant of a man in stature and with great marketing savvy and skill. It was started over 30 years ago by Jim Wallace as a beach boutique type office to sell oceanfront high rise condos at Wrightsville Beach. Today it is a giant in the real estate community with a commanding share of the Wilmington market in luxury and beach properties. There are over 200 agents and 5 offices. But this market leader is also a good corporate neighbor. Jim Wallace started the Intracoastal Realty Teacher's Fund to benefit the more than 70,000 students in our local area. As of October 2009, The Teachers Fund has awarded local schools over $ 180,351.00. Jim's mother who recently passed away was a teacher and he wanted to help all the teachers in the area who often dip into their own pockets to help students with supplies and the like. The Teacher's Fund is just one way Intracoastal Realty gives back to the wonderful place we've called "home" for the past 33 years. Its great to be part of such a giving community of realtors..

What's Happening in Wilmington and Its Beaches

Lots happening here in Wilmington and its Beaches weekend...

Beach to Battleship Triathalon - all day Saturday - will cut off traffic starts at Wrightsville Beach and then heads downtown to Battleship. They expect city traffic to be backed up all day. Watch out for runners and bikers.

11th Annual Festival Latino will take place Saturday at Hugh McRae Park from 11-8. Food, fun and entertainment.

Sports Resale at Legion Stadium - all day 9-8pm. $1.00 to attend.

WineTasting at the Cape Fear Museum Benefit - $ 65.00. See

www.capefearmuseum.org.

Soup for the Troops will take place at Mayfaire Town Center from 11 - 3 pm.

$2.00 to attend.

Kite Festival at Wrightsville Beach all day Saturday and Sunday. Great event - huge kites of all kinds of things....

Series # 3 " Types of Beach Properties in SE NC : The Oceanfront Home

What could be better than owning your own private walkway to your own piece of the beach at Wrightsville Beach? Nothing... but you need to consider certain things if you do want to buy an oceanfront home. Of course you have your own piece of one of the priciest beaches on the Atlantic coast. Unsurpassed views of sparkling turquoise water and white sandy beaches...

They are pricey and ones in pristine condition are hard to find.

It will take $ 3-4 million to buy a good one...

Oceanfront properties require a lot of maintenance from the grates on the heat pump to the door handles which even if they are the finest nickel do weather - even in a year. The salt air is rough on an oceanfront property. Consider that you must paint a property much more frequently or within a shorter time span - 3-4 years instead of 7-8 years. Nail pops can show up quicker and if the builder did not use galvanized nails on the outside of the building they can crack the paint through and rust. The railings need painting more frequently; not to mention the wind damage possibility from storms...The wind and hail and flood insurance rates are going through the roof because of the massive insurance dollar outlay from the New Orleans hurricane.

These may not be optimistic views but they are realistic. The properties available on our local beaches are some of the finest beach properties on the coast but they all come at a price. The informed buyer must be aware of what is involved in purchase of their American dream...

Series: Part 2 - Types of Beach Properties for Sale in Southeastern NC - Timeshare

The appeal of the beach beckons in the summer as a good part of the nation hits the road to visit their favorite beach for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Their are many different types of properties to choose from and one is the Timeshare. The picture is of a timeshare currently on the market at Wrightsville Beach for $ 159,000, for 5 weeks per year use. This is generally a property that is shared between several members and the time for use is distributed among the owners during the year.

This is attractive to many people but like everything has its pros and cons:

Pros:

Share owner is assured of his or her weeks throughout the year.

Can probably switch with other members to get the weeks they want.

Costs can be low for high end beach properties since they are shared among several members.

Generally no work to do as the Homeowners association dues cover all maintenance issues.

Cons:

Dues are required and must be paid even if you do not use your weeks.

Not sure if everyone will respect the property as you do.

Could worry about deteriorating condition if the property is not adequately managed.

Dues could accelerate after first few years of ownership due to maintenance as beach properties close to the beach have high maintenance costs, along with high insurance rates.

May not be able to rent or lease out your property as you would a condo if that is specified in the HOA docs.

As you can see there are many properties that allow you to enjoy beach living. You just need to find the one that meets your comfort level...

Monkey Junction Merchant - MODERN CLEANERS

This is my client and friend, Linda of Modern Cleaners. She was one of the 1st people I met when I started my real estate career 9 years ago. She had started and opened her 1st dry cleaners in the Monkey Junction area of Wilmington NC. It is called Monkey Junction since a gas station in the middle of a busy intersection had monkeys in cages to attract people and sales. It was very popular with kids and families who used to stop and pet the monkeys. The name has since stuck although the monkeys are long gone and there is now a Burger King in its place.
Linda however is still there. A former South Korean transplant she has most of her family in NYC which she generously supports and employs a large group of Hispanic people in her dry cleaners. She attracts business by offering very low prices for mens shirts - $.99/shirts and offers low prices to policemen for their uniforms among other specials.
She is physically challenged with very bad rheumatoid arthritis but this never stops her from showing up for work, being kind to her customers and employees and providing excellent customer service. She also employs about 20 people - some of whom may have found it very hard to find jobs. She really does care about her employees and sends them to doctors which she pays and helps them if they are in trouble and need money.
I have been her realtor also in the past as I sold a commercial food business that she had and she just wanted to move on from that venture.
She is never afraid to try something new and her courageous attitude is just amazing. She always is looking out to better her business. She opens branches all over the city to try certain areas - to see if they will succeed. When they do she keeps them - if they don't see closes them. She really is a great example of the great American entrepreneurial spirit - that I can do anything. Nothing will prevent my friend Linda from succeeding... She has made her own way...

Surfer Chicks Unite- What's Happening this Weekend in Wilmington, NC

East Coast Wahine Championships this weekend at Wrightsville Beach, NC Aug 8-9. Surf competitions for women in longboard, shortboard, bodyboard and novice divisions as well as an 18 and an under advanced shortboard division and an open shortboard division for all ages. Oceanic Pier at Wrightsville Beach - go to http://www.eastcoastwahines.com/ for more information.

What's Happening This Weekend In Wilmington, NC

Sun, Sand and Surf Longboard Classic to take place on May 2 at the North end of Wrightsville Beach, Access No 4. $ 35 fee for the the 1st evet and an additional $ 20 for each additional event. Rain date is June13. Contestants win $100 for 1st prize and $ 50 for 2nd prize. Entry deadline is May 1. If spots are available folks can enter on the day of the event.

Film series to begin on the Battleship NC. Called the Fabulous Fantail Film Festival movies will be shown at 8:30 on May 1, 8 and 22. Cost:$ 1.00. for more info http://www.battleshipnc.com/.

Riverfront Farmers Market - 8 - 1 pm on Saturday - by the river, fresh veggies, meat, flowers, plants, handmade products for sale.

Kentucky Derby Party to benefit the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society - $ 50.00. 4:30 - 8 pm, Thalian Hall. Big screen viewing of the race, mint juleps and derby food included.

Handsome Home in Culdesac Street Wilmington NC

Handsome home for sale in Whisper Creek neighborhood of Wilmington. Priced at $ 400,000, home as all modern desireable amenities including granite countertops, stainless appliances, open floor plan, sunroom, circular drive, beautiful landscaping, neighborhood park with picnic area and walking trails, marsh land, bridges, playground and water fountains. House is on a corner lot with culdesacs at both ends of the street, has 4 bedrooms and 2700s q ft, approx. Great schools and close to shopping with 15 minute trip to Wrightsville Beach. Call me to see this beautiful home today....

CONTEMPORARY HOME - Gorgeous Setting - 5 Minutes to WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

Here is my new listing in the upscale, million dollar + neighborhood just 5 minutes from Wrightsville Beach, NC. The house is a 3 Br and 3 full Bath home with 2235 sq ft. It was built in 1975 by the present owners father.
Home has vaulted ceilings, many windows, open floor plan, handsome stone fireplace, 3 br and 2 full baths, master on 1st floor with walkin closet, eatin kitchen, living room with lots of glass and huge deck off living space. New paint, new carpet. 2 bedrooms upstairs with bath and office. Large tree lined lot. Watch horses at horse farm across the street from the breakfast nook. City services. Gated entryway. Gorgeous setting.

Wrightsville Beach,NC Condo - Walk to Beach & Restaurants

My new listing is in the heart of Wrightsville Beach on Harbour Island. Priced at $ 495,000 for this 3 Br, 2 Bath condo the value is definitely here. You can walk to all area attractions including the beach, restaurants, boating, fishing, nightlife, shopping at Redix, it is all close. Buy for a 2nd home or investment property. Rentals are almost impossible to find now on the island so it would be a worthwhile rental property. There is covered off street parking and guest parking also. It is on a quiet street just one street off the main drag. Enjoy sunsets on your private front porch deck. Properties in this area rarely come on the market. Call today for your free tour....

WATCH THE SURFERS AT WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC

Watch the surfers from your ocean view deck. Luxury 4 bedroom condo with every amenity - marble countertops and floors, wood floors, pearlescent backsplash and fireplace surround, elevator, 2 oceanview decks, garage, lots of parking, 1 row back from ocean, gorgeous oceanviews, see the ocean while at your kitchen sink, tastefully designed. Must see!! Buy now to enjoy in time for summer. Price - $ 1549,000. Call me today for your private showing!!!!

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH FLOTILLA - 25th ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR

The Wrightsville Beach Flotilla will take place on November 29, 2008. This is the 25 th anniversary of this very special event on Harbour Island and in and out the Wrightsville beach boat basins. Boats of all kinds decorated to the max participate with lights, trees, santas and all kinds of holiday regalia. There are singers, dancers, and all kinds of people acting on these floating holiday specters. It is an all day event on Harbour Island with a craft fair with all kinds of vendors. People line up all along the banks of the water to see the holiday parade. Prizes are awarded for the best boats in a number of categories based on size of boats. If you plan on attending -please come early as parking can be tough as there are so many spectators at this very popular holiday event.
For more detailed information on this event and to see the actual parade route please check out the website www.NCholidayflotilla.org