The Chris Baynes Team's Blog

Be Yourself And Be Successful

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:53:00 GMT

I remember, as a child in school, there were certain classes that were always difficult for me to muddle through. Whether I just wasn't interested in the subject matter or if I just was not wired to "get it" as other kids did, it was a point of contention for my parents and I. They knew I was reasonably intelligent so much time was spent focusing on my weaknesses. With classes, you simply must "pass" them and even do well in them if you want to make it to the next level (the next grade, college, grad school, etc.). All this makes me wonder what kind of negative impact we may have on our kids when we are so focused on getting them past thier weaknesses and less time cultivating thier natural talents?

As adults, it is different. We have the ability to refocus on our strengths. We use our strengths to work around weaknesses or we get help or outsource when we need it. Sometimes we forget this and get caught up worrying about those things that don't come to us as easily. Be self-aware of what you are doing daily, watch your productivity, and make changes when you need it. And of course, enjoy the morning coffee!

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"You were born an original. Don't die a copy."

- John Mason

DUPLICATE YOURSELF!

Watch young children on the playground and you will notice them trying to duplicate each other. One hangs upside down on the monkey bars, and soon everyone is doing the same. Check out a pre-teen with a punky new hair-do, or a new style of "radical" footwear, and soon their friends are following suit.

It continues in high school too, with "tricked out" hot cars and cell phones. So . . . is it any wonder that we attempt to duplicate each other as adults as well? We look at our desk mate's approach to getting new business, then we do the same - regardless of the fact that said desk mate is getting no results.

Is there an alternative to this senseless copy-cat approach to life? Yes - but making the change may not be so easy. You begin by looking inside rather than outside. With all the distractions competing for your attention, this may be the most difficult step. Nevertheless, take a look inside to determine your best talents and skills. Ask yourself, "What do I do well? What are my strengths? What do I enjoy doing most?"

Next, write yourself a plan that incorporates your answers into a personal action plan. Remember, you were born an original, so put that originality to work. To help the plan work, avoid distractions from those who question your new direction, and learn to "duplicate yourself".

To avoid distractions, consider moving your desk, working from a home office, or avoiding the social scene at your office. Focus your time and attention on achieving your new-found objectives. To duplicate yourself, hire assistants to prepare direct mail or update your website. Avoid all tasks that you can hire someone else to do.

In short, live and act the part of the original you really are!

Wilmington NC Real Estate Sales - Chris Baynes REALTOR Chris Baynes and Associates is one of the areas most successful Realtor Teams. We specialize in helping buyers and sellers with real estate services in the greater Wilmington NC area including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Castle Hayne, Hampstead, Leland, Belville, New Hanover County, Brunswick County and Pender County, and all Wilmington NC Real Estate. (910) 470-4408

Draw Your Own Map

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:19:00 GMT

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it will elude you.
But if you turn your attention to other things, it comes softly and sits on your shoulder."

~ Anonymous

DRAW YOUR OWN MAP!

Imagine you've planned the trip of your dreams - say from North Carolina to Colorado. You've charted all the roads, have a fist full of maps just in case, and have your priorities straight in your mind. You get started on a beautiful sunny day, and begin enjoying the ride.

Late in the day, as you approach the Mississippi River, you drive straight into a bank of heavy fog. You turn on your lights, but still cannot see 10 feet ahead. Just because the highway is out of sight doesn't mean you've lost your way. Continuing on the path you've set for yourself, you soon break out into the sunshine again - still headed in the direction of your dreams.

In perspective, consider that the trip represents your life's goal - your first priority. Steering your vehicle down the highway hour by hour represents your efforts to reach your goal. The fog bank illustrates the momentary interruptions and obstacles encountered on your journey.

As day #2 begins, you find that you've come to an unexpected intersection - one that's not on your map. Confused, you pull over and examine the map closely. Stay to the right and you'll end up in Colorado. Take a left and you may arrive at an unanticipated, yet equally wonderful destination.

OK, let's cut to the chase! Sometimes your priorities change, don't they? Just as you think your goal is in sight, a new opportunity arises. Remember the saying that "life is a journey - not a destination"? What's exciting is that YOU are in control of the steering wheel, and whatever destination you choose is OK - so long as it's YOU who has made the choice.

Happy motoring!

Relationship Building-Wilmington Style

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 09:01:00 GMT

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"You can either complain that rosebushes have thorns - or rejoice that thorn bushes have roses!"

~ Anonymous

WHICH BOUQUET DO YOU PREFER?

Whether or not you have a green thumb, you probably know that gardens may contain either annual or perennial flower varieties. Annuals are fun to grow for several reasons: 1) they sprout quickly from seeds, 2) they flower the first year, and 3) their colors can be brilliant and most pleasing. They are also less hardy and die out at the first sign of frost. Each spring, new seeds must be planted.

Perennials are another story. Growing from seeds, they take longer to sprout and rarely flower the first year. Their colors are more subtle hues, and they require more attention in the early stages. They must be cut back in the winter and covered with mulch, and may require fertilizer in the spring. They also come back year after year, returning with stronger roots, greater beauty and abundant growth. With time, they require less and less attention, yet continue to prosper. No matter how cold the winter, they always return with renewed vigor.

Friendships and business relationships are a lot like flowers, and may also be either annual or perennial in nature. They may be quick to bloom and most enjoyable to experience, yet fade quickly at the first hint of trouble.

Others grow more gradually through trust-building and respect. They may not dazzle the senses or leave us breathless, yet they are consistent, trusting, and produce a warm glow that hardly fades when tested by adversity. These relationships grow over time, and produce an abundance of lasting beauty.

In business, as in personal relationships, the best things in life come with time and caring. When planning your life's garden this spring, why not devote your attention to the perennials? With an added touch of patience, you can look forward to the sweet fragrances to come.

Don't Get Too Comfortable!

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:00:00 GMT

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"The best laid plans o' mice and men often go astray."

- Robert Burns

"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

- Haw (from "Who Moved My Cheese?")

DON'T GET TOO COMFORTABLE!

Are you enjoying the good times? Have you achieved your goals and become comfortable in the knowledge that you have reached the zenith of your life and career? But wait! Hold on just a minute. What if things were to change suddenly . . . and you ended up back at the proverbial "Square One"?

Maybe that's already happened to you a time or two. Perhaps your career took a sudden turn in a direction you hadn't anticipated, or a health problem caught you totally by surprise. What did you do then? Were you paralyzed by fear? Did you feel cheated, or angry? Did you blame circumstances for your new situation?

No doubt you are able to rationalize objectively that all of us face change from time to time, that it's a part of life. It's difficult, however, to be objective when change suddenly stares you straight in the eye.

Some answers popped up this week to the challenges of change. You'll find those answers in a short, easy-to-read book entitled "Who Moved My Cheese?" Written by Spencer Johnson (co-author of "The One-Minute Manager"), it's the story of two little mice named "Sniffy" and "Scurry" and two little people the size of mice called "Hem" and Haw." The story traces the whimsical challenges faced by these tiny characters as they travel through the maze called "real life."

If you have ever been challenged by change in your world, you'll find comfort and sage advice in this simple story. It's waiting for you to read, and it's worth the short time you'll need to absorb the lessons it contains. This is a great story - don't miss it!

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension Passes Senate

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:28:00 GMT

Great news-hopefully, for the those home buyers that did not get closed on thier property by June 30, 2010 in order to qualify for the substantial tax credits. The Senate has approved an amendment to a bill (HR 4213) that will allow those buyers who were under contract by the April 30th deadline to still get the tax credit-as long as the property closes by September 30, 2010.

The bill has not been officially voted on yet due to ongoing discussion about other parts of this bill. Once it has been agreed on by the house and senate, it can be voted into law.

Keep in mind, this does not open up the tax credit to those that were not under contract by April 30. The active duty military and other qualifying personell will be eligible for a full of extension of both the contract date and closing date.

Positive Mental Attitude

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:00:00 GMT

You may recall the story of how steel-magnate Andrew Carnegie commissioned Napoleon Hill to learn the true philosophy of success from America's most successful individuals of the early 1900's. Hill's search for those success secrets culminated in his well-known book "Think & Grow Rich".

What you may not know was how Hill almost squandered the opportunity offered by Carnegie. At the end of a long interview, Carnegie abruptly told Hill, "We've talked a long time and I have shown you the greatest opportunity a young man ever had to become famous, rich, and useful. Now - if I choose you out of the two hundred and forty other applicants - if I introduce you to the outstandingly successful men in America - if I help you get their collaboration in finding out the true philosophy of success - will you devote twenty years to the job, earning your own living as you go along? We have had sufficient discussion. I want your answer - yes or no."

Hill tells that he spent twenty-nine seconds struggling with a negative mental attitude, thinking of all the hurdles he would face over the twenty-year project. Finally, finding the positive mental attitude he had temporarily lost, Hill replied, "YES!"

How did he know it took 29 seconds to answer? At that point, Carnegie showed Hill the stopwatch he had been holding beneath his desk. Carnegie had allowed Hill just 60 seconds to show his positive state of mind, the one trait he felt most critical to achieving his desired results.

Hill hesitated. We all do from time to time. What's important, like Hill's answer, is that we ultimately grasp that sometimes-elusive positive mental attitude, and adopt it as our own. Had he hesitated for thirty-one seconds more, Napoleon Hill would have given up a wonderful opportunity (as well as depriving us of his inspiring book). He didn't . . . and neither should we.

Summer Has Arrived!

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Summer has finally arrived after a long winter this year. The beautiful city of Wilmington NC is bustling with tourist and locals, enjoying what all this sophisticated beach town has to offer… shopping, dining, the arts and more. The Wilmington NC Real Estate market has really picked up compared to this time last year. Today we are seeing offers being negotiated and homes being SOLD. Now is the best time for sellers since this is the busy season for buyers coming here in this coastal community. Many visitors coming to town are also here to do their Wilmington NC home search. This Historical city is an extremely desirable area to live and this has helped keep our market stronger than most and home values from falling as drastically has other parts of the country. Being a Buyer Specialist in the Wilmington NC area, I deal with buyers on a daily basis wanting to relocate to Wilmington and those who are looking to purchase a second home for vacations or family getaways. Many think that because it’s the south, houses are inexpensive, but Wilmington NC real estate has held its own through this incredible housing crisis. In this beautiful port city, it’s a dream location for many people making it a valuable investment to call home. Is Wilmington the place you want to call home? How can I help you get where you want to be in the time you want it? You can reach me at 646-644-4424!

From New York City, NY to Wilmington, NC

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Hi there! My name is Jennifer Buske. I recently joined Chris Baynes & Associates as a Buyer Specialist, and with over 10 years of experience, I truly enjoy helping my clients hunt for the perfect home. I moved to Wilmington, NC from Manhattan, NY and it’s AMAZING! You may ask yourself… Why Wilmington? The answer is easy. Sun, Surf, Beautiful Beaches, and Wilmington real estate is affordable living. It was time to ditch the nosey doorman, crowded elevators and the glass bubble in the sky for a better quality of life. The day we arrived, the first thing I did was trade my stilettos for a pair of flip flops and immediately added color to my wardrobe since it was quite clear the only place a black suit belonged was at a funeral in this beach town. I then decided to join Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty after having already worked with Chris and his team during our Wilmington NC home search. So here I am, living minutes from the beach, sunny skies, and working with the best team of people in the Wilmington area. Let me ask you a question. When do you want to start enjoying your new home on the coast? How can I help YOU get there? You can reach me at 646-644-4424!

Fear and Faith

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:38:00 GMT

Good morning!

What a gorgeous day here in Wilmington NC-lot's of sun and a high of 84 degrees! That's more like it-we had a hot weekend in the unseasonably warm 90's. Still a great weekend and a perfect time to hit the pool or beach. I hope you all have a great week and can take some inspiration from the story in your Monday morning coffee:

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"What is more mortifying than to feel you've missed the Plum for want of courage to shake the Tree?"

~ Logan Pearsall Smith

WOULD YOU ENTER THE BLACK DOOR?

Many years ago, in a country far away, a ruthless dictator terrorized his prisoners. On their execution day, each prisoner was summoned for an audience with the cruel dictator. Standing face-to-face, the dictator gave each condemned man a final choice - to either face the firing squad - or go through the "black door."

Having experienced countless episodes of torture and cruelty already, the prisoners invariably chose death over the unknown terror that they imagined must lie beyond the "black door." Finally, the day came when the dictator himself lay on his deathbed. Curious, his inner circle of advisors asked him, "What lies beyond the 'black door'?" His answer? "Freedom!"

People are still making that choice today - choosing lives dampened by fear, rather than taking a chance on the unknown beyond the black door. That awful, scary feeling that comes from "fear of the unknown" is often just enough to keep us from breaking out into the clear light of day that illuminates our success.

The next time an opportunity presents itself, yet fear threatens to smother success, take time to understand your fear. Make a list of what you fear may happen. Write down the worst that could happen. Next, make a list of the benefits you would reap by taking positive action. When the benefits exceed the risks, the decision will become clear.

Get in the habit of setting clear, concise daily goals for yourself. As you set and achieve them, you will notice that "fear of the unknown" begins to fade. You will accomplish more in a day than you otherwise would in a month.

Finally, remember one of my favorite and often used quotes: "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there."

Build a Wall of Happiness

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:53:00 GMT

I hope you will enjoy this weeks "Morning Coffee" and take something from it. It reminds me of a Brian Andreas print I have on my wall that says, "Everything changed the day he figured out there was exactly enough time for the important things in his life"...

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts."
- Henry David Thoreau

"To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition."
- Samuel Johnson

"Before I built a wall I'd ask to know What I was walling in or walling out."
- Robert Frost

BUILD A WALL OF HAPPINESS!

To affect the quality of anything first requires action of some sort. Affecting is the opposite of passivity. In a passive state we can only BE affected, but we ourselves have no effect on our surroundings or other people. Hold that thought for a moment and consider next the result of your "affecting."

Ambition leads to action. Your ambition leads you to affect the quality of the day through some action. So what is the ultimate result of your ambition transformed into action? Johnson suggests it is "to be happy at home."

If, as Johnson recites, being "happy at home" is the ultimate result of your ambition, then why are you working so hard? Is there a way to avoid working evenings and weekends? Could you schedule your child's soccer game into the week's plans? Is that next appointment more important than celebrating life with your spouse at anniversary time?

One way to affect the quality of your day, which in turn may result in happiness at home, is to "build a wall," to paraphrase Frost. Keep in mind that walls may limit you if they are constructed of heavy gauge steel mesh rimmed with concertina wire. Walls can also be formed as a low hedge or a split-rail fence - even more simply as a line in the sand. Rather than limiting us, they become a mere reminder of how far we are willing to go.

As we affect the quality of our life and push our ambition to the limit, we may also make choices about the boundaries of our lives. By choosing sound principles of living, for example, we may say, "No!" to friendships with those who operate outside our boundaries of accepted activities. We may decline meaningless activities, or the occasional committee appointment, which robs us of our valuable time.

In the end, WE are solely responsible for affecting the quality of our individual lives. We must choose wisely.

Nothing Like a Little Change!

Tue, 18 May 2010 14:15:00 GMT

As agents working in the Wilmington NC Real Estate market, we are fortunate to enjoy what is probably the nicest and best equipped office in the area in which we meet clients and work hard to ensure success for those who have hired us. Being surrounded by the great attitudes of the agents and support from staff and management, is the icing on the cake.

Our team recently had the opportunity to move our office to another part of the building and I had to consider whether this would be a worthwhile move. It is a bit of a hassle to move files, computers, printers, etc. As a Team, we all agreed-a little change is always good. So, we made the move and it turns out it was indeed a good decision. A little change always brings about some level of creativity and awareness. Keep that in mind when you find your self getting used to a routine. Just because it works, it does not mean you can't change it up for some poitive benefits. With that, I will leave you with a with a wish for success this week and your morning coffee:

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"There isn't a person anywhere who isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can."

~ Henry Ford

LISTEN!

Ever notice how difficult it is to break out of your routine to take time just for you? Yet, when you do, you experience a sense of refreshment. You're more observant, more aware of your surroundings - if only for a short time.

Those brief periods are when the mind is most receptive to creative thinking. The sub-conscious, with its defensive barriers temporarily lowered, is more likely to receive and accept new ideas. Use that time wisely by letting go, giving yourself permission to dream new dreams, to reach for the "brass ring."

You don't have to analyze or give form to those dreams - just allow them to occur. When an idea begins to grab you and arouses inner excitement, pay attention. Avoid letting your conscious mind scoff at the value of your idea or throw roadblocks in your way. Listen to your quiet inner voice. Allow what Napoleon Hill describes as "infinite intelligence" to speak to you.

Read Henry Ford's quote again and concentrate on the last seven words, "doing more than he thinks he can." It's what your conscious self "thinks you can do" that is so limiting. Remember the expression "Think you can, think you can't - either way you're right"? Whatever your conscious self thinks is the limit to your doing - IS the limit. To exceed the limits you have placed upon yourself requires expanded thinking.

To get started, find your own quiet place - and go there for just fifteen minutes each day. In good weather, sit outside at dawn with a fresh cup of coffee. If you're a night person, find a quiet corner after the house is settled for the evening. Let the family know you want 15 uninterrupted minutes - just for you. Close your eyes and begin by clearing your mind of trivia - like wiping off a blackboard - then just let go. You'll be amazed at the results.

Feed the "Good Dog"

Mon, 03 May 2010 14:36:00 GMT

I try to use daily opportunities to educate my 6 year old daughter on the ways of the lessons of life. It's pretty easy to find a lot of good examples of lessons almost everywhere we go. What I find amazing though, is how much she is teaching me!

Please enjoy this week's Morning Coffee!

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

A Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner: "Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time." When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, "The one I feed the most."

HAS THE DOG BEEN FED?

When was the last time you had a vivid, golly-gee-wow, gotta-do-it-now type of dream - a dream that made you come alive at the very thought of it? Did you put a plan in motion to achieve that dream?

OK - forget about the dream for a moment. What about the rest of your life? Do you know where you're going and which principles you've adopted to get you there?

Sometimes dreams and plans fail to mature into reality by neglect. The good dog isn't fed properly, becomes weak and tentative, and eventually loses out to the mean dog - the one that is all too happy to fill our life with meaningless trivia.

The good dog we're discussing here is your personal constitution, that quiet inner voice that directs your life in the right direction. It's the part of you that thrives on hope, knowledge, service to others, perseverance, honesty, commitment and many other worthy principles. It's the "you" that knows you can make the world a better place for all, and sets out to accomplish the task.

The mean dog thrives on fear, deceit, worry, irresponsibility, and ignorance. This ugly dog can flourish and take over by simply filling the void left when the good dog is too weak to eat. Surely you've seen this dog face-to-face. He sometimes appears as a "friend" who douses your latest brainstorm with cold water, or encourages you to shade the truth a bit to make the deal work.

So how do you feed and encourage the good dog? Inspiration and knowledge are excellent ingredients to build strong hopes and sound dreams. Inspiration is available in many forms ranging from personal relationships with those we admire and trust to biographies of others who have succeeded in spite of the odds. Incidentally, you can easily starve the mean dog by avoiding negative relationships altogether.

Increased knowledge builds skill levels and ultimately confidence and self-esteem. It is difficult to feel vulnerable and defensive when you have all the facts. Knowledge combined with inspiration strengthens principles already adopted, and may introduce you to new ones. Remember, the mean dog thrives on ignorance and fear, both of which can rob your constitution blind.

Fannie Mae to Provide Relief to Distressed Home Owners

Mon, 03 May 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Often I am helping or advising folks here in the Wilmington NC Real Estate market area. A surprising number of them are upside down in their homes and are facing the need to sell due to hardships. It is very difficult for these folks and though "short sales" or "Deeds In Lieu" of Foreclosure are usually better than foreclosures, credit wise, it is still quite a hit to their credit and ability to purchase a home in the future. I saw this article and thought I would share it. Looks like Fannie Mae also realizes bad things happens to good people and is making some policy changes to keep the wait to buying a new home more reasonable and less of a credit "prison". Here's the story:

Daily Real Estate News | April 26, 2010 | Share Fannie Adds Incentive to Avoid Foreclosure
Beginning in July, Fannie Mae will allow financially troubled home owners to complete a “deed in lieu of foreclosure” or a short sale and be eligible to apply for a new Fannie-backed mortgage in two years.

Currently, borrowers who have completed a deed-in-lieu must wait four years to apply for a loan that Fannie will purchase. Home buyers who go through foreclosure must wait five years.

All these waiting periods can be reduced further, if the potential buyer can show extenuating circumstances. "We are beginning to think about post-recession, how you address borrowers who became unemployed through no fault of their own ... and now deserve the right to re-enter the housing-finance system," said Federal Housing Association Commissioner David Stevens.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Nick Timiraos (04/26/2010)

Landfall Wilmington NC

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:46:00 GMT

One of the things I enjoy about being involved in real estate, in Wilmington NC, is the exposure to so many different people and the lifestyles and interests they enjoy. I have always been open to learning about the thoughts, ideas and actions that make people the complex creatures we are. One of the great neighborhoods we have here is Landfall. I have outlined the exclusive community below along with some interesting facts!

Landfall - Wilmington NC

Landfall is a sprawling 2200 acre limited access community located along the coast in Wilmington NC. Just across the intracoastal waterway from beautiful Wrightsville Beach, Landfall features over 2000 exclusive homes and homesites, 2 championship (Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus designed) golf courses with pro shops, 2 clubhouses, 14 tennis courts, executive fitness center, olympic swimming pool, 30 lakes, 300 acres of conservation area, walking trails, private security, 4.5 miles of waterway, and much more.

Landfall residents and families come from all over the world to enjoy the peace and pleasures of Wilmington NC and coastal North Carolina. The diverse backgrounds and interests of the residents add to the richness of the community.

Wilmington NC is rich in history and and culture. The Cape Fear riverfront is one of the nation's oldest and best known ports and the local white sand beaches are some of the finest in the country. Contact us for complete Landfall information!

Landfall Homes For Sale

Wilmington NC Homes For Sale

Morning Coffee

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:18:00 GMT

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us."

- Marcel Proust

ON MY HONOR . . . !

The Boy Scouts have long espoused the same set of principles. It goes like this: "A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent." How simple life could be if we all practiced just that short list. Each in itself denotes a wonderful trait. When put into action, all can make the world a better place.

So, what happens between the age of scouting and age 30, 50, or 75? How is it that we turn from being a friendly 12-year-old to a suspicious, stand-offish adult? How do we turn the corner from being obedient to our elders to challenging the authority of our employers or government? Why won't we open the door for someone who can't? Did simple courtesy die with our youth?

Perhaps experience has taught us that others are not always friendly, courteous and kind. "Turn-about is fair play," we may respond. Why should we be thrifty, taking care to save for our future, when everyone around us has "maxed out" their credit cards? Reverence for all we know to be of value seems to have become the victim of political correctness. Why should we be any different?

The greatness of our country was built on the solid rock of "principles." The soft, easy life of an affluent society may be our undoing. Our forefathers had it tough. Most of us living today had a cake-walk, comparatively speaking. Our forbearers had to live their principles - or face the defeat of poverty, ill-health, and despair.

Our children can bring us back if only we will take the time to teach them those simple principles. More than teaching, we might help them practice those principles in their daily lives until habit makes them permanent. Begin while they are still playing in the sandbox. They will grow soon enough into men and women who live principle-centered lives!

3052 Weatherby Ct. Wilmington, NC

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMT

3052 Weatherby Court in Wilmington NC is an outstanding example of easy and low maintenance living. With large bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, its features are noteworthy.

This wonderful home is move-in ready & offers a blend of desirable features. Enjoy easy living with the open & inviting floor plan and gorgeous water front view. You'll love the new carpet, vaulted ceilings, huge great room, cozy fireplace & solid red oak flooring. Relax on the peaceful screened porch overlooking the pond, fountain and beautifully landscaped backyard including Azaleas, Camellias & flowering perennials. Upgrades galore include new roof, HVAC system, windows, kitchen appliances, water softener, lighting, ceiling fans, bathroom fixtures & countertops. Other highlights are the extra-large bedrooms, walk-in closet, oversized 2-car garage with utility sink, washer/dryer & front yard irrigation.

Neighborhood walking trails provide access to the NorthChase pool & tennis courts. Winchester II is a well-maintained community that provides complete lawn care. This home is pre-inspected, wired for a generator & backed by an AHS One-Year Home Warranty & transferable Termite Bond.

A short drive to Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington make this property a first class consideration.

Why You Should Hire A Buyers Agent in Wilmington NC

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Many folks (myself included) like to start a new endeavor by gathering information. I will usually start with the internet. This allows me to get enough of my facts together so I don't sound like an idiot when I actually speak to people about the subject!

Eventually, armed with my "internet education" on the subject, I will consult with friends or aquaintences and then eventually professionals that can steer me in the right direction. Perhaps I will even need to hire someone to assist me in getting (whatever it is I am hoping to accomplish) started and/ or completed.

The problem is, often I find the information is not quite right nor is it always the same in various parts of the country from which the information was originated. National statistics or data can skew my perception of what the trends are in my area. This holds especially true for Wilmington NC Real Estate.

All real estate markets are local in nature. We can see that here in Wilmington NC where value trends, client needs, employment opportunities, and recreation are very different than nearby markets like Jacksonville, NC or Charlotte, NC.

Hiring a good local agent is the best advice when it comes to finding the right property for you. When shopping for real estate, we all want to find the property we are looking for, greatly shorten the learning curve about the area, reduce risk, whatch out for pitfalls, and save money. Driving around in a car, wasting gas and calling every listing agent on the signs can help you get familiar with the area, but it is not an efficient use of time or money.

If you commit to hiring an experienced Buyer's Agent, that agent will commit thier time and valuable resources to you so that you find the right area and home while working efficently, safely, economically, and with a greatly reduced risk of purchasing a problem home. Most of the time, you need not compensate that agent as the listing agents generally provide a commission to the Buyers Agent. That is pretty much a no brainer.

Now, if I could just find an auto mechanic that does not directly charge me for the work he does...

Interesting Facts About The Home Buyer Tax Credit

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Wilmington NC Real Estate market is picking up due to many reasons--one of which is the tax credit(s) being offered. I found a good article on some facts concerning the home buyer tax credit and thought I would share. This is from www.Realtor.org ...

Daily Real Estate News | January 22, 2010 |

6 Surprising Facts About the Buyer Tax Credit
The homebuyer tax credit is not as simple or straightforward as you might think. Here are some nuances that will affect homebuyers who plan to use it.

To qualify for the move-up tax credit, a home owner must have occupied the same principal residence for five of the last eight years consecutively.
Buyers can elect to claim the credit on either their 2009 or their 2010 tax return, whichever is best for them.
Buyers who claim the credit in 2009 can’t file electronically because the Internal Revenue Service hasn’t put the required forms on line. The wait for a refund is three or four months.
The home can be a mobile home or travel trailer that is fixed to land owned or leased by the home owner. A mobile home or travel trailer that is actually mobile doesn’t qualify.
The home can’t be purchased from a close relative, including a parent, spouse, child, grandparent or grandchild.
A buyer who earns no taxable income or doesn’t owe any federal income tax can qualify for the tax credit and file a tax return just to claim it.

Source: Bankrate.com, Marcie Geffner (01/21/2010)

Wilmington, NC House Hunters Getting a Head Start For Tax Credit

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The spring buying season in Wilmington, NC is coming early this year. Buyers are already hitting the streets and websites looking for homes as the deadline for the two Home Buyer Tax Credits looms on the horizon.

"I expect the buying season will be moved up," says Jim Gillespie, CEO of Coldwell Banker. Sales "are going to take off in February and March and really take off in April. ... My concern is that the move-up buyer hasn't thought what they need to do. Their window is really short. They have to coordinate closing dates."

There is risk in waiting until the last minute to contract on a property. Inspections may turn up problems that cannot be overcome resulting in a terminated contract and then they buyer is past the tax credit deadline. Additionally, the average time needed to close is now 45 days though some lenders can close it faster. A good local lender like Alpha Mortage can speed up the process if the buyers have thier documents in order.

Many websites like www.HomeSearchWilmington.com offer home buyers acces to the Wilmington MLS system to search for properties. Once they set up the search criteria, they will be notified of any new properties that hit the market right away. This helps them locate the very best properties first. Other websites like www.WilmingtonAreaProperties.com can provide additional local Wilmington NC information.

November Existing Home Sales Up

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Existing home sales were up 7.4% and are due in large part to the rush last year of home buyers wanting to take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Here is a link to the National Association of Realtors' chief economist Lawrence Yun and his thoughts on this:

Although there may be some more slight adjustments in pricing before appreciation is evident, the excellent interest rates and affordability of homes will greatly offset any minor adjustments down in pricing. We are very conservative when it comes to advising our clients but we feel this is truly a great time to purchase residential properties in the Wilmington NC area for personal use or investments. Wilmington NC real estate information is available on this website or feel free to call us for more specific data.