“Supersize me” has applications beyond fast food.  Recently, I shopped for dining room furniture and found chairs bigger.  In the armed “Captains” chair, I felt a bit like Lily Tomlin’s “Edith Ann.”  It set me thinking about the trend toward larger in everything from fast food meals to homes.   Here in the Wilmington and Hampstead, NC area, our market is a long way from recovery but new construction is readily available.  Our local production builders survived and, today, have their pick of large blocks of developed lots in failed neighborhoods.  Builders build what buyer’s want and, today, in Wilmington, that’s BIG homes!  Regardless of family size, large homes are in demand.      Buyers are buying as much home as affordable and 3000+ sq ft is becoming the norm.  Admittedly, this is ... 10/11/2011

Hampstead, NC is a northern suburb of Wilmington, NC.  The path of most cities is north, which guarantees that someday it won’t be obvious where Wilmington stops and Hampstead begins.   That New Hanover County is so small, means development will accelerate when the economy is strong again.  Today, the 8 mile stretch of 4 lane Highway 17 feels like a longer distance because there’s not much there.    About 2 miles north of Wilmington we leave little New Hanover County and cross the county line to enter much larger Pender County.  Before the real estate crash, there were several neighborhoods planned west of Hwy 17 on the New Hanover side and there have been rumors for years about plans for the land to the east extending to the Intracoastal Waterway.  Today, we talk about a 10 to 20 year... 10/08/2011

Everything started with the price of dirt.  It’s true what a builder pays for the land impacts what they build.  That explains what happened when average lot price doubled and tripled in the early 2000s As building lots got more expensive, builders were forced to build larger and larger, ever more expensive homes.  It seemed 3000 sq ft or larger homes were everywhere.  And, no one offers a big home without including special features.  Granite counters in kitchens, 42" cabinets, ever larger amounts of hardwood floors and luxury baths were standards in oversize homes. By 2006, both the lot boom and building boom were over.  Builders finished homes and reduced prices to sell.  In 2008, home prices started to come down.  As for the dirt, only a handful of expensive lots sold in 2008 and 200... 10/04/2011

If you are Dreaming of the North Carolina coast, have you visited Hampstead?  We’re partly a bedroom community for folks who work in Wilmington and live in Hampstead for the great schools.  The rest are retirees who love the quiet neighborhoods and the proximity to Wilmington.  Just 30 minutes can get you to most things in the greater Wilmington area.  15 Minutes from Hampstead is Topsail Island and the Atlantic Ocean!  Free entertainment is always available - walk on the beach, play in the surf, cast a line or relax on the sand.  Another aspect of Hampstead’s cross-generational appeal is the potential for a larger lot.  Wilmington proper is in New Hanover County, the second smallest county in NC.  Regardless of price point, the average resident in New Hanover County lives on less than ... 10/04/2011

Hampstead NC 28443 Home Sales Report - Jan to June 30, 2011   To $150k  -        Primarily 3BR/2BA                                                           17 Home Sales Median sale $125k, Avg dollars per sq ft $80, Avg Days 225, Avg sq ft 1522, Avg closed price to list price 96% $150k  to $250k –     80% 3BR/2BA                                                            50 Home Sales Median sale $202k, Avg dollars per sq ft $105, Avg Days 125, Avg sq ft 1945, Avg closed price to list price 96% $250k  to $350k –     80% 4BR/3BA                                                           27 Home Sales Median sale $283k, Avg dollars per sq ft $113, Avg Days 296, Avg sq ft 2579, Avg closed price to list price 97% $350k  to $450k –     73% 4BR & 40% 4BA   30% Deep Water Docks  11 Home Sales ... 09/29/2011

Eagles Watch Home Sales - Jan to Sept 30, 2011 Hampstead NC 28443   Eagles Watch had 2 closed sales between January 1 and June 30, 2011 Both are new construction The 2 homes closed for an average of 100% of asking price The 2 homes averaged 3050 sq ft in size   Eagles Watch had 7 closed sales between June 1 and September 30, 2011  All 7 are new construction2 The 7 homes closed for an average of 99% of asking price The 7 homes averaged 3098 sq ft in size       09/29/2011

Cross Creek in Hampstead, NC 28443 had 4 closed sales between January 1 and June 30, 2011 2 of 4 are foreclosures 1 foreclosure is a modular home which closed for $65 a sq ft 1 foreclosure is a stick-built home which closed for $99 a sq ft 2 Non-distressed stick-built homes sold for $101 a sq ft and $118 a sq ft The 4 homes closed for an average of 96% of asking price The 4 homes averaged 112 days on market for current listing and 169 days for all cumulative listings The 16 homes were built between 2003 and 2007 and averaged 1922 sq ft in size   Cross Creek had 2 closed sales between June 1 and September 30, 2011  2 Non-distressed stick-built homes sold for $101 a sq ft and $112 a sq ft The 2 homes closed for an average of 95% of asking price The 2 homes averaged 63 days on market   The... 09/29/2011

Olde Point Home Sales Report  - Jan to June 30, 2011 Hampstead NC 28443 16 closed sales in Olde Point between January  1 and June 30, 2011.  1 home built in 1974, needing updating, located on a deep water lot with dock sold for $500k.     1 home on  a second row Intracoastal Waterway site sold for $347   2 homes in Olde Point Estates on multi-acre sites closed for $342 and $353 12 remaining homes sold for an average $104 a sq ft 3 of 12 are foreclosures 1 of 12 sold at auction 1 of 12 is a short sale The remaining 7 of 12 sold for an average $115 a sq ft The 16 homes closed for an average of 92% of asking price The 16 homes averaged 158 days on market for current listing and 201 days for all cumulative listings The 16 homes were built between 1977 and 2004 and averaged 2353 sq ft in size   09/29/2011

Day 123 - http://ncspotfestival.com/..Don't miss out on the Spot Festival....Fun, Food...don't miss it.  If you love fish, you'll want to be here for the festivities. The fun starts at 10:45 and spots are served at  11am on 9/24 and 9/25 in Hampstead, NC.  Fireworks at 9pm on Saturday after the show!.  09/23/2011

This weekend the 47th Annual NC Spot Festival comes to Hampstead, NC! The festival is fun for all ages and will run from 9:45am-9:30pm this Saturday Sept. 25th, and 9:45am-5:00pm this Sunday Sept. 26th. Admission is $3 for adults, and children under 12 years are free. There will be tons of local seafood to taste including the festival namesake, the spot fish. After trying the local delicacies you will be able to see and purchase local handmade crafts and artwork. The Spot Festival will also have its fair share of entertainment with everything from the Little Miss Wilmington Pageant to a performance from the Apsara Belly Dancing Troupe. Saturday night will end with a special performance from Nashville recording artist Kevin Lee and a fireworks show. For more information about the Spot Fe... 09/26/2010

Day 22:  Golf and Have Lunch at Castle Bay and the Kings Table....a short drive up the coast from Wilmington you will find a Links Course. This 18 hole golf course is great, scenic and lots of fun.  Best of all, there always seems to be a breeze....now that can be nice on a hot day, but can raise havoc with your golf ball.  Take a quick glance as you drive along the paths and you might see a hawk, turtle, Canadian geese and other lovely wildlife.  Of course, I love playing this course, but  driving over the wooden bridges is reminiscent of earlier days. The sound  of the golf cart crossing the bridge sounds like horses hooves click and clacking on and old wooden bridge or cobblestone road. .....there is also a whistling in the wind....I found this course a little easier than most becaus... 05/13/2010

Did you miss out on the $8,000 tax credit? Or maybe you didn't qualify for it because you already owned a home.  Now there is an $8,000 credit that just started and best of all-it is NOT limited to first time homebuyers!!!  I'm referring to the Coldwell Banker 2010 Buyer Bonus Sales Event.  It started May 1, 2010 and ends July 31, 2010.  The credit comes directly from participating sellers at closing and we're encouraging all of our sellers to participate in this program.  This $8,000 credit has many advantages over the tax credit that just expired because (1) anyone buying a house is eligible for it; not just new homebuyers; and (2) you get the credit AT CLOSING-you don't have to wait to get reimbursed after the closing and you don't have to file anything.  Sound interesting? Check out... 05/10/2010

Hi Folks, We are happy to be bringing you these weekly market reports for the Wilmington, Pender, Brunswick and Wilmington area beach towns.  Keep up to date on all the activity in our market area!  Here is this weeks Real Estate Report for the town of Hampstead in Pender County for May 3, 2010. http://www.realmarketreports.com/reports/028028_Reports/Hampstead_Pender_County.pdf Dick Beals 05/04/2010

Long Point Estates is a unique waterfront and water-access community like no other.  And the time to buy has never been better.  We've just reduced prices for all remaining Long Point lots.  These lots have some of the most beautiful views you could imagine.  Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway/Topsail Sound, you can see Topsail Island, Lea Island, Figure Eight Island, and you can look straight through the inlet to see the waves crashing in the ocean!  On some days, you can even hear the waves crashing! Discover a lifestyle filled with exquisite boating, nature, and convenience!   Long Point has a community pier with boat slips available for purchase.  The most affordable waterfront lots in Long Point are "second row" lots that have gorgeous views of the Intracoastal Waterway to the f... 11/17/2009

Everyone always talks asks whether or not anything is happening in the "real estate market."  I'm always surprised to hear people that live around here (Hampstead, Wilmington, Jacksonville NC) speak negatively about the market based on things that they see or hear on the national news.  So let me tell you what I see in our local market right now.  We have seen increased activity with our listings, our buyers, and our subdivisions.  In two of our exclusive subdivisions we have dramatically reduced prices which has really increased interest from buyers and people who are "just looking."  In Avendale subdivision, we have an incredible deal on 41 Raven Drive-- a brand new house that is over 3000 sf, and it's priced at $299,000!  If that's not enough, First Federal is offering special financ... 10/16/2009

   This weekend, take a moment and stop by the Annual NC Spot Festival in Hampstead.  Located across from Deerfield on Highway 17.  Spot dinners are $8.00 including 2 spots, slaw, fries, hush puppies, and iced tea.  Parking is free.  $3.00 entrance fee.  Kids 12 and under get in free.  Bring your lawn chairs, but no coolers or pets. Spot are abundant around the Carolinas. When spots are running fishermen are able to hook and/or net a great many of these fine fish. Recreational fishermen can fill their coolers and feed their families all winter long with these appetizing fish., and commercial fishermen can fill their nets with this prize catch. As a community that is known as the official Seafood Capital of the Carolinas, many in the Hampstead area owe at least part of their livelihood ... 09/26/2009

Shrimp for dinner on Father's Day just seemed like a natural.  It made me think of Forest Gump's partner in the shrimping business.  Shrimp is just a wonderful versatile seafood and its easy on the diet unless you get it fried, which tastes wonderful but isn't as good for you.  I bought these from the organizer of our ski club kayaking outing since we didn't eat all of them at her house yesterday.  She managed to get them from a seafood dealer in Pender County about noon Saturday.  Which makes for a wonderful summer evening meal! 06/21/2009

Tour the finest new homes in the area at the 23rd annual Parade of Homes over two weekends, April 25th and 26th and May 2nd and 3rd from noon to 5:00pm each day. This year's parade features the first ever "green" homes section, and new construction homes of all price ranges.  The homes of best quality are awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, a tradition that honors our area's most esteemed builders.  This event is brought to you by the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association.  Information such as this year's schedule, participants, homes available to tour, and more may be viewed at www.WilmingtonParadeofHomes.com. Visit our Hampstead homes during this year's event!  Click HERE to view our Hampstead communities' floor plans in competition for the Gold Award.  We hope to see yo... 04/24/2009

"Under the Senate's new stimulus bill, homebuyers could receive a $15,000 tax credit if they purchase within a year," reads the headline of CNNMoney.com's breaking news article.  If you're thinking of buying a home, there could be a big bonus for you in the economic stimulus bill that's now before Congress, according to staff writer Les Christie of www.CNNMoney.com.  "The Senate's version of the plan sweetened the $7,500 homebuyer tax credit provision proposed by the House, doubling it to $15,000 or 10% of the home's purchase price (whichever is lower). What's more, the credit applies to all buyers - not just those purchasing their first homes," says Christie.  The Senate credit has no income limits, and unlike the tax credit passed last summer as part of the Housing Recovery Act, this ... 02/13/2009

The nation's foreclosure hemorrhage has finally slowed and 2009 should see a significant decline in foreclosures as buyers return, pushing home prices up and fueling a real estate recovery, according to the 2009 Outlook from foreclosureS.com (www.ForeclosureS.com)."Recovery is underway. Affordable is back in the housing market," says Alexis McGee, real estate expert, educator, and president of ForeclosureS.com. "In 2009, housing will not only recover, but we'll see buyers leap into this market in droves, depleting our housing oversupply, and actually put higher price pressures on the market.""With 4.5% fixed mortgage rates, housing prices lower than they were 'pre-housing bubble', commodity prices lower, tax credits available for homebuyers, and the government eager to stimulate our eco... 01/25/2009