Brunswick County Blog

Magic Number 760. Credit Score Tips

Credit Scores-everyone talks about them but in real estate they make a BIG difference. Did you know that the best mortgage rates go to scores of 740 or better. If you don't have a credit score of at least 620; you will most likely not be eligible for a mortgage. 

Experts advise that you check your score-and monitor it- to see what you need to do before you seriously look to purchase either your first or next home.  Here's the criteria that will be used to determine your credit scores: your payment history, the amounts owed, the types of credit, new credit, and length of credit history.

CREDIT SCORE MAKEOVER

Just a quick tip-you will be penalized for multiple balances, so limit the majority of your spending to one card. If you want to see what would be the best plan to improve your credit score before you plan to purchase property-go to the MYFICO.com website and work with their Free Score Simulator tool. It will help you target what actions will be the most effective to raise that  all important score.

Best Buy in St. James: 3303 Gordonia Circle

Really? "Best buy". Sounds somewhat exaggerated doesn't it?  Actually that is a quote from another agent who showed this property to his clients.

Well here are the facts, you decide:

Priced at $400,000 that translates to $137.88 per square foot and that includes a fully transferable Premier Golf Membership in St. James Plantation; 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, all brick home on an over sized lot.

The value alone makes it the best buy but when you factor in the mature landscaping, immaculate condition, beautiful three season porch, rooms to spare, and closets galore. This really is the best buy. Want to know more about  Brunswick County, NC MLS 642180? Contact Allyn Heck 910-367-3989 or AHeck@ec.rr.com. It is also on Realtor.com with a virtual tour...look under Southport, NC.

Maybe Positive News Doesn’t Make Headlines

We are bucking the tide of negativity here in Southport, NC or at least in the Three Rivers Realty office. We have new listings (land and homes) that are in superior locations, in great condition and priced to sell.  Every Three Rivers Realty agent is actively working with buyers looking in different neighborhoods, and price ranges.  We are also preparing for new buyers and sellers in the coming weeks.

It is a great time to buy and sell real estate in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The beaches have never been better and our weather is perfect. Come see for yourself.  This is living the good life.

Thanks for listening.
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
www.ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Southport, NC
AHeck@ec.rr.com

The Perfect Storm

It just doesn’t get much better than this for buyers of a vacation home, retirement dream, investment or relocation. In fact, we could call it the perfect storm.

Well, the savvy buyers calling Three Rivers Realty every day are looking for the perfect storm -– the combination of large inventory, great prices, great mortgage rates and the knowledge that their investment will soon start to increase in value.

Yup. We’ve got all those factors in play.

In fact,  the bottom of the market has come and gone. We’re seeing a tick upward, and today the Brunswick County Association of Realtors confirmed that sales are 12% ahead of this time last year and that we’re ahead of this time on the calendar in 2004.

The oceanfront dream lot or home is affordable. The golf communities have great prices. The family home is within reach. And it’s all in beautiful Brunswick County, North Carolina where we get an occasional storm -- and the rest of the time it’s perfect!

Pam Quinn, Broker
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Canadians in Carolina

Well, we couldn’t help the beauty of alliteration in the line, but that was secondary. It’s about escaping the cold and snow for a game of golf, pansies blooming and a blue Carolina sky that heals any winter-weary soul.

Why talk about snow now? Because a real estate vacation home or lot investment now makes perfect sense in a buyer’s market, low interest rates and a strong Canadian dollar. Because by March you can be in tranquil Brunswick County. North Carolina instead of the traffic jams of Myrtle Beach. And because our Canadian specialists know exactly how to make it happen. Welcome the newest brokers of Three Rivers Realty, Bob and Pam Quinn, former long-time Canadian residents. Go to www.CanadiansInCarolina.com.

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Land for Sale. Dirt Cheap?

“Dirt Cheap.” I would love to know the origin of that expression. Real estate agents often use the phrase,“to sell dirt” (land).

Here’s something of interest that I think you will find amazing. My research in our MLS system reports that there are currently 15 lots for sale for $10,000 or under. These lots are located in Boiling Spring Lakes, Southport and Shallotte. 

Now we both know where you can buy land that is “dirt cheap.” It’s right here in Brunswick County, North Carolina.

Right now we are seeing lots at rock bottom prices.  As Peter Heck, our broker-in-charge recently explained to his client, “buying land is your inoculation against inflation.” 

Next month when you receive your economic stimulus check from Uncle Sam, think long term investment. Think Dirt Cheap…and call me.

Thanks for listening!
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

PS: Do you want to spend more? We can find that here too!

Beachcombing of a Different Sort

Peter and I spent a spectacular weekend in Charleston -- which is only a short three hour drive from here -- with some friends. We walked all over this gracious Southern city to sample shopping, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. We grew up in beach towns on the Jersey Shore, so there is an attraction to all things beach. On our way back to Southport, we detoured to visit Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms. Even when we are "off,"  we still think real estate.

The homes were magnificent. Public beach access. . .  not so much. Our point of comparison, with 76 public, free beach access points (with parking) is Oak Island. Frankly, it's hard to find any other coastal town that offers so much for so little to so many.

Thanks for listening,
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Why Oak Island?

Want to know a secret?   Oak Island, NC. 

Oak Island is the best option for investors, beach lovers, families, empty nesters, fishing fans and just about everyone.  Here's why. . .  at the current rate of construction, The Island will be completely built out in just ten years.

That's no undeveloped land left. 

This projection is available right on the town's website under Executive Summary 201 Facilities Plan Update.  That is right out of the textbook on Supply and Demand.  This affects the price of both land and homes. Tick Tock.

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Families Flourish Here

This past week, our family came to visit, and we had the extraordinary joy of watching our two young grandsons play outside in the middle of winter.  Yes, it was February, but we went to the beach, played for hours on the playground in South Harbor, and watched as they rode their tiny motorcycles up and down the driveway. 

For the entire week we had mild temperatures, Carolina blue skies and abundant sunshine, and it was the perfect antidote to a New Jersey winter where inside play is pretty much your only option.

The coast of North Carolina has become a mecca for retirees because of our temperate and seasonal climate, the lower cost of owning a home and the accessibility of free beaches, fishing and many outdoor recreational activities. Sounds like the perfect place to raise a family! Hint. Hint.

Thanks for listening!

Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Growth In Brunswick County NC

Experts Point to Healthy Growth in Brunswick County

Dr. Woody Hall is a UNCW professor of economics and a noted expert on growth in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties.  Dr. Hall predicted the local economy would grow by 4.5% this year. He reports that one out of every five workers in Brunswick County has a job related to development and construction. No surprise, since Brunswick County is the 14th fastest growing county in the entire country, and the second in the state. As evidence of this growth, more than 800 building permits were issued in 2007 for single family homes.  Dr. Hall noted that 41,712 acres have been rezoned into lots since 1999 for developers to build 85,000 new homes but preserving 9,000 acres of green space. We remain a county of small businesses; three out of four new businesses in Brunswick County have nine or fewer employees. Can't wait to share the good life with you!

Best,
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty in Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com