Brunswick County Blog

October in North Carolina

Just came back from a quick family and friends visit to New Jersey and had the best time. We came back to Southport just in time for our favorite time of year here- October. We spent the better part of the weekend at the beach on Oak Island and the ocean is still warm enough to go for a swim. Every day is crystal clear, with blasting sunshine and Carolina blue skies. If you aren't sure if you want to move here...come in October. It is intoxicatingly gorgeous. You really won't want to leave...not even to pack your furniture!

See you next time!

Allyn

 

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.

The Southport Stroll

The tourist guidebooks often use the phrase "historic fishing village" and "quaint" to describe Southport. It is both those things, but it is really so much more. The main street of North Howe ends at the mouth of Cape Fear River, a glorious vista of sparkling blue from nearly anywhere on the street. Here you can see the Atlantic Ocean beyond, the big ships making their way upriver to Wilmington, and the shores of Bald Head Island and Caswell Beach in the distance. The best way to see Southport is on foot by doing The Southport Stroll. Make your way up North Howe, browsing in the antique shops, the amazing Christmas shop and the sea captains' homes. Stop in the art galleries, the artisan shops. And EAT! Everything from good hot dogs to amazing crab cakes in phyllo to the best fried green tomatoes on the east coast. The side streets are filled with beautiful homes in the southern style, designed for front porch living. Stop and stroll in Southport. You may not leave!

Could This Be Right? 180 Oakdale Rd. BSL, NC

Bob and Pam Quinn of our office took a listing this past week that is making me more excited than I have been in a long time! When the paperwork came across my desk, I thought that it was in error. Here's the story, it is a brand new home with 100% financing for qualified buyers. Read it again..I had to read it more than once. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, deck in the back, porch in the front, carpet, ceramic tile, special wainscoting and woodworking , cable ready and the master bedroom has his and her closets. Priced @ $146,900 with a builders' warranty. Your monthly payments and all of the benefits of home ownership have never been more attractive. Want more good news on MLS 644703, call Bob Quinn 910- 269-8860 ask him about this home on 180 Oakdale Rd, in Boiling Spring Lakes, NC

Home Large Enough for Memories: 3196 Beaver Creek in St. James, NC

In my family, holiday time is the time for stories and memories. If I were telling a story about this home on the Founders' 8th Fairway in St. James, I would talk about how this home has been filled with laughter and friends and family. It has been able to comfortably seat 10 in the kitchen and more in the formal dining room for holiday celebrations with room for presents and lots and lots of amazing food.

There is a private suite upstairs over the garage (bath and bedroom) where teens stayed and talked long into the night. Special meals were a breeze to prepare with lots of cooks and onlookers never in the way making the meal prep as much fun as the cocktail hour in the large living room spilling out to the deck.

Some homes are made for great fun, some homes are great deals, some are located in great places. This one has all of that and more. Ask me, more about MLS# 624308 for $485,000; I know!

 Allyn-910-367-3989 or Aheck@ec.rr.com

Crowded Market...Yields a Gem 3688 Wingfoot Dr. St. James, NC

With a market crammed with 370 lots for sale in St. James Plantation, NC; in all locations and price tags, surprisingly it is a challenge to find the property for your buyers that represents true value. Oh there are lots that are priced very low but not the value that you might be looking for.

Today we took an informal poll in the office and the lot on 3688 Wingfoot got the most votes. Why?  It is nearly a half acre with 82 feet of golf frontage overlooking the very popular Tim Cate designed #9. 

One reason this lot is so popular with the agents here? The seller will finance! It doesn't get any better than that...oh...other than living right there and enjoying life in this amenity-rich community. For more information, call Bob Quinn he lives and works in St. James and he can tell you everything! Bob@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com or 910-269-8860

The home for all seasons: 4146 Carlyle Place, St. James, NC

The headlines continue to tempt and taunt all buyers who remain on the sidelines looking for that house that just has it all. Some have more "all" than others. The lowest priced home in St. James on 4146 Carlyle Place has a great price, new appliances, new carpeting and fresh paint. It is located in the amenity-rich community of St. James Plantation.

Sit on the back deck, overlook the pond and contemplate how much money you saved and still can live the good life...and if you need more than two bedrooms when your family visits?  make a reservation in one of our local hotels, you can use some of the money you saved by buying only what you need 365 days per year. Ask Jeanne Thompson 910-457-5331 or Jthompson9@ec.rr.com and she can tell you more.

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.

One-of-A-Kind: 3 Cape Creek on Bald Head Island, NC

There are no cars on Bald Head Island and the only way there is a short ferry ride. There should be a new word to define this level of "getaway". Instantly and forever changed, transported to a pace that redefines tranquil living. This home and island is for the executive or family that needs quiet time NOW. Brunswick County Airport makes this a quick trip on a chartered plane from Washington DC, NYC or Boston.

Come visit 3 Cape Fear Creek in the Middle Island section of Bald Head Island. There are windows, decks and views of the ocean, marsh and ICW.  One of a kind contemporary with architect's plans for more on this oversized lot. Want to talk about living on BHI or this home? MLS 629520. Call Judy Clary 910-477-0200 or Judy@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com she knows every knook and cranny of this beautiful home.

Income Producer 111 NE 30th on Oak Island, NC

Wouldn't it be nice to own a home close to the beach that you could rent out until you are ready to move to Oak Island full time? With mortgage rates at the lowest of lows, prices favoring buyers and incentives to help you get it done. This is the house that could be either the star of your investment portfolio or the source of family memories for generations to come... or both. Come visit this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on two lots or better yet, Call Elisabeth Scharf 910-228-8281 ElisabethScharf@Live.com and she will talk about life on Oak Island and this home MLS642452 $299,000.