There are relative factors that help you know that your Realtor is working to get your best deal possible, even if they are getting paid in a commission form.  With the market changing, the traditional 6% split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent is being adjusted to influence the sells of a home in favor of the seller. That is why it is all the more important to make sure you have a buyer’s agent on your side.  Advocates of the consumer are concerned with these increased commissions, however these tactics do work. Sometimes there is favoritism for homes listed with a higher commission promised.  Federal rules dictate that disclosure of fees need to happen at the closing, however by the time the closing happens it may be to late for you to realize this sale may have it qui... 07/16/2007

The real estate market has opened up in Wilmington North Carolina; however, there are still ways to buy cheap homes there. The secret to find the best deals is to know where to look and do it at the right time. Wilmington has a haven of comfort and creativity in the choice area between the Cape Fear River, and North Carolina Inner beaches. The area is complimented with great golf, wonderful weather in all four seasons, natural beauty, and a relatively inexpensive cost of living. So then how do you find the cheap homes for sell? It is not that hard. First you will need to decide on if you are going to be going through a realtor, a realtor that does the work for both the buyers and the sellers, or if you are going to be looking on your own. Wilmington is just starting to boom, and the tim... 07/15/2007

  How does one like CNN/Money, Relocate-America, MSNBC, retirement articles, and a host of Hollywood types actually find a city like Wilmington North Carolina and put it on the HOT list of places to live?It is called a BUZZ, and people talk, and the talk is about the wonderful lifestyle, climate, attractions, opportunities for the movie industry and the affordability of living in a seaside resort area. We found Wilmington quite by accident back in the eighties (living in upstate New York), when our vacation hotel in Myrtle Beach suffered some storm damage, and would not be able to accommodate us. The hotel management suggested we try Wilmington, as it is only 70 miles away, and we could obtain a town home on the ocean for a reduced rate for the inconvenience. Well needless to say we dis... 07/15/2007

History of WilmingtonView Historic Homes in WilmingtonWilmington, North Carolina, was incorporated in 1739/40. It was originally situated on seven hills or bluffs located on the east side of the Cape Fear River about twenty-eight nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean. It was known as New Liverpool, New Town and Newton before the permanent name of Wilmington was chosen to honor Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington, an Englishman and patron of Gabriel Johnston, North Carolina's Governor at the time.The town was founded by the English, many of whom were maritime businessmen looking for investments in a newly opened area of the Atlantic Coast. Other early inhabitants were the second and third sons of New Englanders who could not inherit family lands in their already settled area of the colo... 07/15/2007

Real estate is not something that can be done on a part-time basis. Here are seven reasons not to use a part-time real estate agent.A real estate agents main focus is to sell. Therefore it is important to find a real estate agent that will focus full time on your real estate needs. There is a fiduciary responsibility to the sellers in the instance of an agent for the seller, and a buyer's agent for the buyer to get the best deal possible for them. You have every right to ask the real estate agent if they are part-time or full time. If an agent says they can work part time and fulfill your needs for your real estate transactions, it is likely that they are working to make them money; they would not have the time to be fully loyal to you, when they are working at another job.If a real est... 07/15/2007

The market in Wilmington North Carolina is showing great potential. Therefore, the time is right for listing your home. Here is why.There has been an increase of sales of single-family residential homes in North Carolina. This was good because in many areas of the United States there has been a decline in real estate purchases. Wilmington North Carolina offers a great deal of enjoyment to their residents in their community. The charming port city, with salt and fresh bodies of water, beautiful scenery, charming four seasons, and festivities brings the meaning of living life to its fullest form. Therefore, listing and selling your home is going to be convenient and hopefully very profitable. That is the goal of selling a home, even if you are planning to move for another reason, making m... 07/15/2007

 Finding the right real estate agent right from the start is the best way to go. However there are five signs it is time to find a new real estate agent.Under some circumstances it is acceptable to stop the buyer or seller and agent relationship. However, it is a good idea to look at any contract you might have signed.The first step in terminating your real estate agent is to make sure there is an ethical or legal reason to do so. Many times a problem between seller or buyer and agent can be resolved by simply by talking about the problems. There are reasons certain results occur in the real estate market and it is a good idea to have a clear understanding of what a real estate agent can do and is obligated to do. Clear expectation of what can be expected is a good start of any relation... 07/15/2007

 By Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Realtor It's TGIF and that means it's time for the Free Friday Night concert post. it's been a hot week in Wilmington so get ready for some hot bands! With the high humidity today we hope  rain holds off so these fantastic concerts can go on!   One of Wilmington's most popular bands The Cosmic Groove Lizards will be playing tonight at the Mayfaire Town Center. Concert is held on the lawn behind Linen's &Things. (Near the Movie theatre) Bring the Kids, the dogs, the coolers, lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a rockin' good time! While you're there say hello to a stranger, you might make a new friend! 266-5131 for more info. Starts at 6pm til 9pm Spencer Rush will open the show at tonight's Downtown Sundown Summer Concert Series followed by Zoso who will play... 07/13/2007

It's the first Friday of the month so that means Airlie Gardens is rolling out the rug for another night of wonderful Jazz music. Parking is sold out in advance at the grounds, but you can catch the Shuttle will leave every few minutes from the Galleria Parking lot on Wrightsville Av. ( Harris Teeter lot)   Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets, blankets, libations, and come casual or in your Sunday best...Whatever suits you fancy, enjoy a night of music amidst the beautiful live oaks! Try to get there early to stroll the exquisite grounds if you have a chance. Tonights featured artists are the Jazz concert with the "Jim Felds Sextet." Tickets are $8 adults, $2 children, and free for Airlie members. For more information contact the Gardens at 910.798.7700.     Where: Airlie Gardens300 ... 07/06/2007

                                                                                                         By Ginger Sala Realtor Wilmington NC Realtor The Wilmington NC area offers a choice of fun things to do this July  4th. Have fun! We wish you a safe and happy holiday! Stay Safe! Have fun! Downtown Wilmington Riverfront Park at Water Street between   Market Street and Princess Street. The Minute Men of the 440th North Carolina Army National Guard Band and the UNCW Wind Symphony will provide entertainment. Starts at 5:30 The Battleship North Carolina hosts the 11th annual 'Battleship Blast' fireworks at 9:05 p.m. Due to safety requirements, the entire Battleship complex on Eagles Island will be closed at 6 p.m. and vehicles will be required to leave by 6:30 p.m.  Water Street will be ... 07/03/2007

An experienced realtor knows the warning signs of a home purchased that is bound to be a money pit. Over time and through the inspections that an experienced realtor will have conducted, help them know what to watch for in order to protect their clients.These things are the areas that when you are looking at paint and carpet your realtor will be looking at foundations and roofs. Here is a basic explanation of the inspections that will help keep your investments safe.These inspections cover areas of the house and property such as appliances, utility meters, electrical wiring, plumbing, fuse and circuit breaker boxes, furnaces, water heater, sinks, toilets, bath tubs, central air, or swamp coolers, and any other electrical or water system that is part of the property.A home is a significa... 07/01/2007

When selling a home, it is important to know when to go from FSBO to using a Realtor. The biggest is when you want to sell your house that's not selling fast enough.FSBO or for sale by owner can be a great way to sell your home if you have the time and resources to dedicate to the process. However, most of us do not have a great deal of time to sell a home. It also takes money and resources to advertise a home. In order to successfully sell a home, you need both of these covered.If you have not had a great deal of experience in selling homes, you might find that selling your house can be risky and costly. Statistically speaking, the average home that is offered FSBO usually sells to family or friends. There are a percentage of homes that sell outside of family and friends due to hard wo... 07/01/2007

 Wilmington NC offers a wide an abundant variety of activities to enjoy, but we really love the free ones! Friday Night Concerts are a great way to wind down and relax after a busy work week. The kids love coming out and moving with the groove. So far we have been blessed by great weather and all concerts have gone on as scheduled. Here are your choices for this weekend. Friday Nights Free ConcertsMayfaire Summer Concert SeriesFun for all ages every Friday night thru the end of September  Mayfaire Town Center plays host to some of the local area's best bands.. Tonight's band is Bender, classic rock. On the lawn behind Linens n' Things. Blankets, chairs, Pets and coolers welcome.   From 6-dark.Call 910.256.5131 for more information.Mayfaire Town CenterMilitary Cutoff RdWilmington, NC 284... 06/29/2007

Today in Wilmington Real Estate I would like to spotlight a new lising that I have.  This home is located in the Masonboro Woods community in the Masonboro area of Wilmington, NC.  Masonboro Woods is in the 28409 zip code and is centrally located with ease of access to all of the beaches of Wrightsville, Carolina and Kure within a 10 minute drive to all. This wonderful home is listed at $279,900 and offers 3BRs/2BAs and a 2 car garage.  As you can see from the landscaping, this home has been very well kept and offers so much for the money.  Masonboro Woods neighborhood also includes a pool and clubhouse with very low monthly HOA dues.  This home is best seen in person.  Contact me today at 910-620-8838 for a private showing.  To learn more about me, feel free to visit the links on the r... 06/24/2007

 Summer's here and the time is hot for "Dancing in the Streets" Wilmington, NC offers Two Free Concerts tonight Friday June 22Downtown Sundown Summer Concert SeriesCome On Downtown by the Cape Fear River in front of the Federal Courthouse for the FREE Friday Night concert series, featuring local area bands. Tonight's bands are The Voltage Brothers with Scotti Stringz. Food, wine and beer will be available for sale.  Call 910.763.7349 for more information. 6:00:00 PM - 10:00:00 PMDowntown Wilmington ConcertsWater StreetWilmington, NC 28401www.wilmingtondowntownsundown.com The Mayfaire On the North Side of town Music on the Town Summer Concert Series at the Mayfaire Town Center. Tonight's band is Michele & the Midnight Blues, Rockin' blues. Bring the Kids, the Pets, the Coolers for a nigh... 06/22/2007

If you are considering real estate investment in North Carolina, take alook at homes in the Wilmington area. I am an Agent there, and we haveamazing projections for the next few years. Forbes just rankedWilmington NC #3 for Hot Real Estate Markets, and CNN/Money Magazineranked Wilmington #7 in the entire country for the next 5 years. Take alook around my website to get a better feel for the area, and you cansearch for homes there too with my MLS Home Search.  John Hortonhttp://wilmington-northcarolinarealestate.com/ 05/30/2007

Wilmington North Carolina Real Estate Boom  If you are considering real estate investment in North Carolina, take a look at homes in the Wilmington area. Wilmington has been making national news with promising projections for the next few years in Real Estate. Forbes Magazine just ranked Wilmington NC #3 for Hot Real Estate Markets, and CNN/Money Magazine ranked Wilmington #7 in the entire country for the next 5 years. Take a look around my website to get a better feel for the area, and you can search for homes there too with my MLS Home Search.  John HortonBroker/Realtor  Laney Real EstateWilmington, NC  http://wilmington-northcarolinarealestate.com 05/27/2007

 Wilmington and the Cape Fear area is always chock full of fun events for the whole family. The say the best things in life are free and we are blessed here with an abundance of "Best Things", like the free outdoor concerts that are hosted every year by Wilmington's Mayfaire Town Center. This year the Concert Series will kick off on Memorial Day weekend with the band MIRAGE a popular Carolina Shag band. Some of the Cape Fear Most Popular Bands are on  will grace the stage from May thru October.  Concerts start at 6pm on the lawn behind Linen's and Things! Come out and enjoy the fun! Bring lawn chairs, or blanket, the kids, the dog, and consumables of your choice. Dancing encouraged!Special Memorial Day Celebration Concert ar MayfaireThe Mayfaire Town Center has added a Free concert on S... 05/16/2007

 Last weeks Parade of Homes was a huge success by any standards!!  Thousands of folks enjoyed the nice weather and viewed over 100 homes on the parade.  The Star News reporter Mike Voorheis wrote an article about his visit to our premier gated community of Landfall and his impressions of the 4.5 million dollar home. His article appears here.....I must say in all honesty, it was written in typical Mike Voorheis fashion, satirical in nature, and one of Landfalls residents took some offense to its content.  I include it in my posting because I know it was not intended to discredit Landfall or its residents, it was just humorous. The Star News had Award Winners in all the categories, and also pictures of all the homes on parade.  The Star News was also one of the sponsors, and was instrumen... 05/11/2007

I am so excited to represent Hagood Homes’ latest neighborhood, SaltGrass at Marsh Oaks.  Having been a Neighborhood Specialist for Hagood Homes for the past 5 years, it amazes me how this builder continues to get better and better.  Check out the details in this video.  Feel free to visit our website at www.SaltGrassAtMarshOaks for pricing, plans and availability!    05/08/2007