Choosing the right realtor is key to your real estate transactions; here are eight tips for choosing the right realtor. Following these tips can improve your chances of getting a better realtor and a better deal on your real estate transactions.Start with doing some research on the realtors in the areas you are looking to purchase or sale a home. Taking the time to do this research will save you money and hassle in the long run. The right realtor can keep you in the flow of the real estate market changes and legalities. If you have the right realtor, you have the knowledge of experience to help you make these decisions. Interview at least three realtors. This will give you some options to choose from. The easiest way to find realtors in your area is to look in three different ways; on t... 04/20/2008

The Week in Review.....your Wilmington ConnectionApril 12, 2008 What a Week! Wilmington has been buzzing with activity. With the Azalea Festival bringing parades, street fair, concerts, arts and crafts and much more. Something for everyone. I'm sure there will many people heading back home after this week thinking what a great place to live. If you are contemplating this let me know and we can discuss the endless possibilities for relocation. Here is what has been selling in the Wilmington real estate market.Lumina Station developers propose mixed-use project Lumina Station developers have proposed a 2.1-acre residential and commercial development along Wrightsville Avenue near the Landfall subdivision.Lumina IV's residential component marks a departure from the first three Lumina devel... 04/12/2008

Making the most money when you sell your house is the overall goal. By using a realtor you will be able to make the most from your real estate transaction. Choosing the right realtor will make a world of difference when it comes to the money you will make with the transaction of selling your home. When you are setting up and interviewing realtors or real estate agents, keep in mind that you need this person to be able to communicate, and negotiate in a way that will bring you the most profit possible. When you are conducting the interviews, you will want to ask a few specific questions that will help you find the agent or realtor you are looking for. Can you get references from s few of the last real estate transactions that the realtor completed?What experience do they have? What licen... 04/05/2008

The azaleas are beginning to bloom, yellow pollen on your car, and the college students are already at the beach getting a head start on their summer tan - these things usher in the official Spring season here in Wilmington, NC.This is the time of year that I just absolutely love.  I know it is just a couple of weeks away where I can wear just a cardigan, a skirt and a light shirt.  I can feel the light breeze and smell a hint of ocean air.  This is when the outdoor markets open downtown and at Poplar Grove, there are more tourists in town, and the start of all the fun events in the coming months . This is my favorite time of year to show property as everything looks just beautiful.After several years of living here, I will miss one of my favorite events, the Azalea Festival.  It is the... 04/01/2008

Nationwide sales of existing homes increased unexpectedly in February after six months of decline, but private economists said it was too soon to say that the prolonged slide in U.S. housing is coming to an end.The National Association of Realtors said that sales of existing homes rose 2.9 percent in February from January levels, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.03 million units. It marked the first month-to-month sales increase since last July.Apparently, potential home buyers are realizing that the glut of foreclosures and roughly 9 months of housing inventory, as well as low interest rates and other incentives are creating opportunities to get bargains not seen for for decades.Although sales may be taking longer, home prices in the Cape Fear region are holding fairly steady,... 03/30/2008

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionMarch 22, 2008Easter resembles Christmas in that it is a most sacred holiday which has been associated with secular symbolism, the purpose of which is to get people to celebrate it. Of course, the modern motivation is to sell candy. Yes, when the church established an Easter celebration, pagan rites of spring and the earth's renewal became intertwined with the religious celebration, and has been ever since. What could symbolize spring and renewal better than an egg? Maybe cute baby animals, of which there are plenty in Easter symbolism. Of course, this year Easter is so early, you may be hiding your eggs in the snow if you live up north! Take this time and spend it with friends and family, sit back relax and let inspiration and imagination... 03/22/2008

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionMarch 15, 2008 Happy St. Patricks Day and may you have The Luck of the Irish! If you were in Wilmington this week and had the opportunity to experience the exceptional weather we had, just a little peak of what is to come. The real estate market is definatley picking up here on both sides. Listings are flowing in and buyers are searching the website just like it was last summer. Yes there is a talk of the market softening, but lets face it Wilmington is still a highly desirable location. With Beaches, Historic downtown and the riverfront and all at a reasonable living expenses. Here is a snapshot of what has been happening in the market this week. 79 homes in the $200-250 range have gone under contract and 18 homes in the $450-500 range. I... 03/22/2008

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionMarch 8,2008 Spring is inching near, and we can't wait. Wilmington in the spring brings fine weather beautiful flowers and of course the one and only North Carolina Azalea Festival. If you have never visited Wilmington this is a grand time to visit. For more info on this festival. NC Azalea Festival.Carolina blue skies smiling at you might be giving you reason to smile back.Some studies have shown fewer people suffer from seasonal affective disorder in southern, sunny states like North Carolina than in northern, more gloomy regions. The mood disorder, also known as SAD, can cause lethargy, fatigue, depression and overeating or oversleeping. Living in cold grey weather. Now is the time to make the move. Don't forget about the really low int... 03/22/2008

The Week in Review.....your Wilmington ConnectionMarch 1, 2008 A beautiful week here in Wilmington. Today ended with a warm breeze and a touch of spring...don't break out the shorts yet.We have been inundated about this being a buyers market. If we're at the low or near the low point of this shift in the market, and you're buying a house to live in and stay in for a multiple number of years, then five years from now, you're not going to be sitting around saying, "I should have waited another month to buy the house because I could have gotten a slightly better price. You are just going to be over the moon you bought in this general time frame because your home's value will have gone up." Do you want to risk missing a house that is perfect for you because you're waiting for a sliver of sa... 03/22/2008

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionFebuary 23, 2008 Here in Wilmington selling season is upon us. If you are contemplating selling your home, now is the time to get it ready and put it on the market. Not sure how much your home is worth? Find out here. Free Market Analysis Wilmington still waiting for bids to build hotelYou can't hurry hotel developers.Developers have until Monday to submit proposals for building a four-star hotel next to Wilmington's forthcoming convention center.As of Friday, the city had not received a single bid. The bid period started in early January and was already extended two weeks - which is exactly what city officials said they expected. Wary of leaks, developers generally take it down to the wire on most projects."It's very, very rare that I get... 02/26/2008

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionFebruary 17, 2008A busy week....this comes to you late after A week of the National Keller Williams Conference in Atlanta.Where all of our top agents share information on getting homes sold and helping buyers find what they want in a shorter amount of time. It was a pleasure and a must to meet so many agents from around the nation. If you are relocating let me know as I can ensure you I know some top agents that can help you through this transition. Here is the local news in Wilmington. Wilmington program aims to help old buildings find new life Lots of people dream of turning dilapidated buildings into architectural treasures.On Monday, a group of 70 - many from other parts of the state - got a crash course in exactly what's involved in t... 02/26/2008

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionFebruary 9, 2008 Well I don't know what you did today but I went to the beach. Wilmington had some gorgeous weather around 70 degrees. Can't beat this ideal lifestyle, come and see and let me know when you are in town. The Relocation market is strong right now with many companies moving there forces to other areas. Thinking of selling your home? Fill in this Market analyisis form and I will get back to you ASAP.Existing-home sales have moved narrowly since last September, but when the full impact of higher loan limits for conventional mortgages begins to impact the market there is likely to be a notable rise in home sales and prices. If higher limits are enacted very quickly, we'll see a faster and more meaningful recovery by expanding saf... 02/26/2008

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionFebruary 2, 2008  The most important factor in buying or selling a home isn't what is going on nationally-it is what is going on in your local market. Evaluating present and future trends and influences in your region or neighborhood is essential to creating long term wealth, whether you are in a buyer's or a seller's market. Wilmington still a highly desirable location draws families, retirees, relocation with some of the larger corporations (GE, PPD, Corning etc.) This is what has been happening in our real estate market . If you are planning on relocating to the area ask me about our White Gloves relocation service. Monkey Junction annexation moves onNew Hanover commissioners oppose move, but have little recourse as plans progressThe Ne... 02/26/2008

The Week in Review...your Wilmington ConnectionJanuary 26, 2008 A wet week in Wilmington, but some well needed rain. Not long before spring. A perfect time to visit Wilmington if you are planning on a trip.The media presents the real estate market as slowing down prices having dropped. Mortgage rates are fantastic! So if prices have dropped and mortgage rates are great. Wouldn't it make sense to perhaps buy now?Here is a snapshot of what has been going on in the Wilmington Real Estate Market. Housing plan upsets some in PenderWant greater controls to protect rural area; hearing todayJames Dixon has always been attracted to rural living. The trees and wildlife found in more remote areas have offered Dixon seclusion and serenity that he said is difficult to find in the city.Cypress trees,... 02/26/2008

 I am hosting a FREE 1st Time Home buyer seminar on Thursday, February 21st from 6pm - 7pm.It will be held at 4607 Franklin Avenue, Ste. 217 in Wilmington, NC. It's near the intersection of Market and Kerr Avenue.We're giving away a $100 Visa gift card and a digital camera and serving food as well, so stop by if you can! Give me a call with any questions, 910-520-4628 (c) or 910-792-1399 (w).Thanks!Jason 02/20/2008

The University of North Carolina Wilmington was ranked 36th out of 500 four-year public colleges and universities according to Kiplinger's Personal Finance.  The annual report measured costs but also factored in the quality of the education students get for their money by comparing qaulities such as SAT scores of new fresheman and graduation rates.The ranking is based on in state costs, which is $12,330 and includes tuition, student fees, housing and book expenses.  When you consider out of state costs, the ranking moves to 51 based on the same factors as in state. Also, in  US News & World Report, UNCW ranked 6th in public master's degree program in the South.  The category included schools focusing on undergraduate and master's programs.UNCW not only offers great academics, it also of... 02/11/2008

Did you know that Wilmington, NC was rated one of the Top 100 Places to Live by Relocate-America.com?  The factors ranged from education to environmentally friendly communities as well as economic and housing considerations. If you would like to know more about Wilmington NC, give me a call or email me! Desiree A Whalen, REALTOR http://www.desireewhalen.com/desiree@desireewhalen.com#910 620 7594 02/11/2008

Friday, February 15, 2008 at the Country Club of Landfall is a Gala with Curtis Stiger, 2007 BBC Radio Jazz Artist of the Year, to benefit Thalian Hall's Education Programming.  Seating is limited to 250 people.The goal is to provide youth in Wilmington and surrounding areas participation through mentorship in all aspects of theatre arts, including playwriting, scenic design, costuming, lighting, directing, and acting. They want families to enjoy professionally produced theatre from our region and beyond. The programming will be fully implemented with the completion of the new Playhouse in the Thalian Hall complex.  They are already achieving great results from this first year of implementation. They have formed strong and creative partnerships with community organizations that support ... 02/09/2008

This one bedroom, fully-furnished condo overlooks the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington. It is currently part of the Hilton Rental program with a great rental history.  It's perfect for an investment property, weekend getaway, or place to call home.  Available fully-furnished, however, Seller is willing to negotiate furnishings if someone prefers to decorate themselves.  Short walk to coffee shops, shopping, and restaurants.Priced At:  $294,500For More Information, visit www.thekeytowilmington.com    Diane Parker, Broker/Realtor/e-PRO - 910-617-5244 02/08/2008

Many people feel that as long as there is water in the Cape Fear River, Wilmington area residents will have plenty of water available to use.  The actual source of our water is located about 130 miles upstream from Jordan Lake in Chatham county.  Raw water intake comes from approximately 23 miles upstream in Bladen County.  If Chatham County is dry, Wilmington can have rain and our water source still be effected.  Studies show that Wilmington residents use approximately 138 gallons of water per day,  Click on the chart below to see how Wilmington Residents are doing with conservation efforts.  For more information on the Wilmiington NC area, visit www.TheKeytoWilmington.com  02/05/2008