Wednesday, July 29, 2009

School Districts


If you have children, one of your primary concerns before buying a home in Southeastern NC may be school districts. Test scores, turnover, graduation statistics, and overcrowding may all be on your mind. Choosing the right school district for you includes factoring in a number of features - preferred lifestyle, cost, and everything metioned before. You will want to know where the public school districts begin and end. For public school district information, visit the following links.

New Hanover County School District Map - Great search by home address included.



If you're interested in private schools, our web site has a list of schools, including non-public. However, keep in mind that redistricting usually occurs during the Summer. Parents from Echo Farms and Rivers Edge communities in New Hanover County are facing redistricting, because a new school is being built in the northern part of the county. This redistricting will affect 2,400 students. Read more here.


To locate information about school performance, browse the following sites:

Trulia.com - Locate homes near schools, view user ratings and reviews of schools, and see graphs of test scores and enrollment. Example school - New Hanover High School.

GreatSchools.net - See test scores, teacher stats, studen stats, lists of extra-curricular activity, and parent reviews. Example Search - Wilmington Schools.


If you ned any help locating the right home in the right school district, just let us know (info@exitcoast.com or 910.762.1951). We would be more than happy to represent you in the buying pocess.


Monday, July 27, 2009

Realtor Luncheon: 503 Northline Dr, Hampstead

Realtor Luncheon
July 29, 2009 **RESCHEDULED**
11:30-1:30pm
Deerfield Estates

Hosting Agent: Constantina Sears
Menu: TBD
Directions: Hwy 17 N to Hampstead. Just as you come into Hampstead turn Right on Headwaters Dr, Left on Overlook, Right on North Line.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Lazy days of summer!

I think we all need to exchange vacation ideas! Let's hear about everybody's plans to make this an exciting summer. I personally have no plans to travel; thought I would ride my horses and fish. I hope to catch a flounder that is at least big enough to keep! Somebody has got to have something more exciting than this planned! Oh, I forgot-I will go to Raleigh on the 15th to take my son back to school. Does that count as travel?

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Downtown Wilmington Takes a Step Towards Aiding the Homeless

I'm sharing this, because I am very happy to see that the city and New Hanover County attempting to help the homeless rather than just moderate them. By encouraging others to support groups that aid the homeless, hopefully we can start an area "trend" where money is pooled together in a way that is much more helpful and effective than handing out small bits of money at random. If you're downtown, please stop by one of these meters and donate.

Homeless to Be Served by Repurposed Parking Meters in Downtown Wilmington
By Si Cantwell

The 10 Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness and Reduce Homelessness in the Cape Fear Region unveiled its new donation meters Wednesday morning.

The first Make a Change meter was installed in front of the U.S. Post Office on North Front Street, identified as one of 11 places downtown where panhandling is especially prevalent.

Read more...

Ten Most Forgotten Items When Moving

This is a great list from Mayflower Transit's web site - Ten Most Forgotten Items [When Moving]

With more than 43 million Americans planning to move this year, odds are even the most organized may not remember every detail of a move -- or every item. Remembering the “out of sight, out of mind” objects increases your success in moving all of your belongings. Mayflower suggests adding the following 10 points to the top of your preparation list:

1. For the record -- Obtain copies of your and your family's medical records, including any dental and vaccine/immunization information, as well as any veterinary records for the family pet. In some cases, a notarized letter is required to receive official documentation; you may need to contact the American Medical Records Association to determine your new state's needs. You might also consider transferring current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.Another record you'll want to be sure to have in hand is your child's permanent school record. School records are usually required when registering your child at his/her new school. Often, copies are not sufficient and require a raised seal

2. Buried treasure -- If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving. You should carry valuable items such as jewelry with you or keep them in a safe deposit box instead of packing them on the moving van.

3. Old phone numbers -- Pack phone books from your existing residence to take with you. You may think you'll remember the numbers you frequently call now, but more likely you'll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends or tie up loose ends.

4. Taken to the cleaners -- Remember to collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (for example, dry cleaning, shoes, watches, etc.). Also, remember to return library books, movie rentals and anything else you may have checked out.

5. What's your new address? -- Keep your new address handy in your wallet or purse. In the flurry of preparing for a move, you may forget your new address -- important information when forwarding periodicals, mail and credit card bills, as well as keeping in touch with old friends.
6. Spic and span -- Remember to leave out cleaning supplies for the final “once-over” before closing the door for good, or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean for you. To reduce the amount of things you take with you, if you are cleaning the home yourself, use up previously purchased cleaning products, and then throw away the empty containers when you leave.

7. The opener -- Many people often forget to take the electric garage door opener out of their automobile before leaving. Remember to leave the opener for the new residents.

8. Remember “Rover” -- In most cases, moving companies cannot transport animals or plants. Plan ahead and make arrangements for their safe transfer.

9. Bank on it – It's wise to open a checking account in your new town about a month prior to your move so that you have immediate access to your funds. It enables you to have a little cash on hand for unexpected expenses. On occasion, retailers will decline to cash “out-of-town” checks.

10. Keys to success – Remember the collection of spare house keys. Whether it means retrieving keys from neighbors or from under the rock next to the front door, don't forget to gather all sets before you depart.

Monday, July 20, 2009

NC Green Communities


Green Eco Communities has a list of green communities in NC. Three out of the seven communities listed are in Southeastern NC near Wilmington. Check out the list and learn more about what it means to be a "green community" here.

If you are interested in viewing homes in these communities, contact us at info@exitcoast.com and we'll connect you with a Realtor.

Realtor Luncheon: Whispering Pines, Wilmington 28409

Realtor Luncheon
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
12:00 noon – 2:00pm

MLS# 435274 3625 Pine Bark Ct. - $309,900
MLS# 427096 3605 Pine Bark Ct. - $374,900
MLS# 417689 3506 Tall Pine Ct. - $274,900
***Serving food at 3625 Pine Bark Ct.




Directions: Whispering Pines Subdivision – S. College Rd. Turn at YWCA on Holly Tree Rd. Turn right at stoplight on Pine Grove. Fork to the right on Masonboro Loop Rd. Go past Parsley Elem. Turn left on Dawning Creek Rd into Whispering Pines. Pine Bark is 1st road on Right. Tall Pine Ct. is 3rd road to left. House is on cul-de-sac. Recommend you go to Tall Pine 1st, 3605 Pine Bark 2nd and then eat at 3625 Pine Bark.

Hosted By: Donna Grady Group at EXIT COASTAL CONNECTION

Description: Catered by Giorgio’s Italian – Drawing for one Adirondack Chair handcrafted by Masonboro Adirondacks (value $125.00) Must have business card stamped at all three homes to qualify for drawing. See you there!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Virtual Staging?

I just came across this article online and I am very curious as to what others think.

Virtual staging sparks sales of vacant homes
Judy Richter, Special to The Chronicle
Sunday, July 19, 2009


Realtors already use the Web to showcase their listings online, where buyers peruse them before hitting the home tours. Now comes virtual staging.

Here's how it works: A real estate agent e-mails photos of a vacant home to a stager, who digitally adds tables, chairs, lamps, art work and other items to make the space look more inviting. The agent uses the enhanced photos for his Web site, the Multiple Listing Service, flyers and other advertising.


Read the rest of the article here...

So, other than the 'virtual' aspect, is this any different that normal home staging? Are there any downfalls? or is it all beneficial? What do you think?

Friday, July 17, 2009

HOA Covenants

Home Owners Association Covenants. You either love them or hate them. They can be as low as $15 per month covering public pool maintenance, road maintenance, or commons area upkeep...or they can be as high as $199+ per month covering yard maintenance, pool maintenance, common area upkeep, golf club access, security, etc. Some buyers purposefully avoid communities with HOAs, because they do not like the building restrictions or monthly fees. If you choose to take advantage of a community with an HOA, make sure you thoroughly read the covenants BEFORE making an offer on a home or lot. Ask questions if you are unsure about certain statements and remember to always keep a copy of the covenants if you do make an offer.

One family, recently spotlighted in the StarNews' Animal Tales, has learned what kind of an effect an HOA can have on their family. Recently, they were informed their elderly dog was over the 20 lb weight limit allowed at Willoughby Park, a restriction they claimed was not part of the covenants they received when they bought their townhome in 2007. Now, they must either give away their four-legged family member or sell their home. Despite pleading, the HOA has refused to allow the dog to remain, but it is very hard to find elderly dogs homes.

So, who is in the wrong and how should this problem be resolved?

Tom Grady brings up some important points in his column. If you haven't already, pop on over and read the article. I have my own personal opinion, but I would like you to formulate your own.

Always remember to read the HOA covenants. It is the job of your real estate agent to locate those covenants for you.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Will the Wilmington area be getting a Red Lobster? | MyReporter.com

If I could count how many times I heard, "Why don't we have a Red Lobster?"...For those interested, here is the mot current answer to that question.

Will the Wilmington area be getting a Red Lobster? MyReporter.com

Shared via AddThis

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Pride and Prejudice Opening at the Brown coat

For those of you who are fans of Jane Austen, you will be pleased to hear that Pride and Prejudice will be opening at The Brown Coat Pub & Theatre on Grace St.. However, this announcement must come with a word of caution (even that sounds too extreme). This is an adaptation. There will be no accents (gasp!) and minimal set pieces in an effort to show the universal appeal of the romantic story despite being written for another social class structure.

Personally, I can't help but find my senses appealing to the very style choices of the group putting on the production. Considering the pub pays tribute to the cult hit Firefly (Brown coats were the independence fighters and the ship on their web site is from the Joss Whedon series) and their P & P poster is very similar to the Jane Austen comic books, one can only assume they have a high appreciation for creativity.

Showtimes: 8 p.m. July 16-18, 23-25 and July 30-Aug. 1, and 5 p.m. July 19 and 26

Local Parks in and Around Wilmington

Parks in and around Wilmington, NC, are popular spots. When the weather warms up, they become hot spots for group meetings, little league games, nature walks, picnics, tennis lessons, and play areas for children. Even when the weather is cool, area residents love to use the parks for running, biking, and other forms of exercise. Recently, StarNews Online featured Halyburton Park, located off of 17th St. in Wilmington.

Halyburton Park Brings Nature to the City
By Allison Ballard
StarNews Correspondent
July 14, 2009

For families (or those who are new to the idea of getting cozy with nature), a park like Halyburton is just right.

The 58-acre urban park is a good size for kids to begin exploring and is located off the 17th Street extension in Wilmington.
Andy Fairbanks, recreation supervisor, and Theresa Mowrey, recreation specialist, keep this ease of use in mind as they plan and prepare environmental educational programs at Halyburton for people of all ages.


To read more about the family environmental education programs at Halyburton, click here.

For a full list of local parks, including pet-friendly, check out this Myreporter.com answer to Where are local parks?

Monday, July 6, 2009

Luncheon: 1317 NE Quail Ridge Loop

Wednesday, July 15
12-1:30pm
1317 NE Quail Ridge Loop, Leland, NC 28451


Price & MLS#: 139,775, # 430935

Agent Name: Brenda King / Exit Coastal Connection Realty
Directions: From Downtown Wilmington pass Cape Fear Bridge, Stay on 17S 11 miles turn right on Greenhill Rd., go 3 miles turn left at Quail Ridge Loop 1317 on left.

Description: Seafood Salad, Squash Casserole, Pork Chops, Rolls, Fruit Salad, Water, Lemonade, Tea / Please join us for lunch and view this affordable new home and other buildable country lots. Located near golf, hunting, beaches, schools and shops.


Enter to win a $25 Applebee gift card!!

View listing...

OPEN HOUSE: Castle Street Trio

Sunday, July 12th
1pm-3pm


109 Castle Street, $449,900, MLS# 430686 (Grace Hodgkins, Exit Coastal) View more information.
213 Castle Street $268,000, MLS #429384 (Cindy Southerland, Intracoastal)
218 Castle Street $249,995, MLS #432436 (Sandra Hall, Intracoastal)

Directions: Market Street West (towards Cape Fear River), make left on 3rd Street, go
6 blocks and make right at light (Castle Street) 218 Castle will be on left and 213 and 109 will be on right.

Come tour 3 wonderfully restored bungalows on 2 blocks of Castle Street. Refreshments and snacks at 109 Castle. Drawing for gas gift card if all houses are attended!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

New Construction at The Cape


Seller will consider a lease or lease purchase! Bring an offer now or call Dawn for a showing (910) 228-8879.

4th of July Wilmington Battleship Blast Highlights and Southport

Did you miss the Wilmington, NC, fireworks or are curious to see what the Wilmington fireworks look like? Check out some highlights at WWAY TV 3. The Battleship Blast fireworks were amazing as usual and the news said there were record numbers of people downtown.

Not far away, Southport holds the annual official state celebration for the 4th of July. The celebration lasts multiple days with a large parade on the morning of the 4th. More info here.

By the way, for those that are unable to travel downtown or to Southport, WWAY TV 3 broadcasts the fireworks and parade on television.

EDITED TO ADD:

Check out these photos of the fireworks. They are rad!
http://www.starnewsonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=WM&Date=20090704&Category=NEWS5006&ArtNo=704009996&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=2