Monday Market Update – November 1, 2010

Happy Monday!

A big week this week with mid term elections tomorrow.  Please take time to vote and let your voice be heard!

One of the biggest news items up for debate is the Fed’s expected announcement of another round of Quantitative Easing (QE2) when it releases its statement this week. Remember, QE is the concept of the Fed becoming a heavy buyer of Treasuries and Bonds. This is done to artificially cause those security prices to move higher under the increased demand, which in turn will cause interest rates to move lower in the hopes of stimulating the economy – but it also continues to load the US with debt and may have numerous other negative unintended consequences. Although this move by the Fed is likely, it’s been under some criticism – and after hearing some colorful commentary about QE2 last week from Fed Chair Ben Bernanke, the skepticism heightened.  Look for this news to come out on Wednesday followed by the jobs report on Friday.  These 2 reports due out this week in addition to the election tomorrow are all important issues to keep an eye on this week.

Interest rates remain incredibly low and it continues to be  a great time for buyers.  We’re starting to see investors get back into the market which is great news!  Prices are low enough to make properties cash flow from a rental stand point and with interest rates so low, it’s a no brainer.  If you need some guidance on investment purchases, just give us a call.

The Cameron Team has a new facebook page, to become a fan, just search “Cameron Team” or click here

Have a great week and we look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs.

Have a great week!

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Alexa Winstead, Marketing/Closing Coordinator 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw, Rocky Point, and Hampstead.
P.S. If you would like to receive this update on Monday via e-mail, you can sign-up for our weekly newsletter by sending us a quick contact.

Monday Morning Coffee – November 1, 2010

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

“A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.”

- Francis Bacon

SOW GOOD SEEDS!

James Bender, in his book “How to Talk Well,” tells of a farmer who grew prize-winning corn. Each year he won the blue ribbon at the state fair. When asked how he did it, the farmer explained that he shared his seed corn with his neighbors.

Pollen from ripening corn is carried by the wind from field to field. If the farmer’s neighbors grew inferior corn, he felt that cross-pollination would steadily degrade his own prize-winning variety. If he was to grow good corn, the farmer felt he first had to help his neighbors grow good corn.

Having a good attitude and achieving your goals works the same way. How you view the world is affected by the attitudes of others, and vice-versa. Surely you can think of a time that someone else’s dark outlook on life caused you to have a bad day. Your positive, can-do attitude can be easily cross-pollinated by the negative thoughts of others.

So . . . why not share your award-winning, success-oriented approach to life with your neighbors? By simply sharing a smile and a kind word with those around you, you can improve everyone’s outlook. That thought can be carried a step further, too.

Can you imagine a farmer purposely planting corn in a field adjoined by a field full of briars, thorns and thistles, owned by a farmer with no intention of improving it? While it’s a noble cause to improve the lives of others by sowing good seeds all around, it is sometimes necessary to do your farming elsewhere. By spending your time with others who share your aptitude for excellence, your own personal value will increase.

When picking a field in which to grow your dreams, choose your neighbors wisely – then sow only seeds that improve everyone involved. It’s your choice.

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Alexa Winstead, Marketing/Closing Coordinator 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw and Hampstead.

Featured Listing: 4136 Glen Arbor Drive, Wilmington, NC 28411

See more pictures of 4136 Glen Arbor Dr.

Property Details

North Bend

Active

$525,000

Listing Information

• MLS ® : 455065
• Bedrooms: 4
• Full Baths: 3
• Sq Ft: 4001
• Lot Size: .85
• Garage: 2 Car
• Heat Source: Electric

Property Description

If space and privacy are what you’re after, then look no further. This 4000 SF, 4 bedroom 3 bath home is situated on a beautiful double lot in a private cul-de-sac overlooking the green pastures of the neighboring horse farm. This meticulously maintained home has a recent addition which includes a 2-car garage with apartment above that has a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, bath and private balcony and is accessible from inside or out. Other great features include a home office, rec room, HUGE screened porch with tongue and groove ceiling and a low maintenance saltwater pool. There is a 3 zone HVAC, a 10 zone irrigation system and a home warranty.

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Alexa Winstead, Marketing/Closing Coordinator 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw and Hampstead.

Wilmington Weekly Update – October 27, 2010

Quote of the Week:

When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween.
~Author Unknown

Local Market Statistics

There are currently 4828 single-family homes for sale in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties.  In the last 6 months (4/30/10-10/27/10), 2044 homes have sold.  These numbers indicate that if NO other homes are listed for sale that there is approximately 14 months worth of inventory.

During the last week (10/20/10-10/27/10):

• 129 Homes were listed FOR SALE
• 71 Homes went UNDER CONTRACT
• 30 Homes SOLD
• 112 Homes FAILED to SELL (Withdrawn or Expired)

Please note all of these statistics are based on single-family residential homes for sale in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties.

In Case You Missed It

Check out the awesome sunrise Wilmington residents got to see this past week!

Area Happenings

October 29 & 30 – Battleship North Carolina GHOST SHIP

October 29th – St. Jude’s 8th Annual Masquerade BallNovember 6th – Wolftoberfest

November 6th – Festival Latino 2010

November 20th – Evening of Hope Wilmington Gala and Silent Auction

December 4th – Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour

December 9th – Musical – White Christmas at Thalian Hall

December 11th – Ballet: The Nutcracker at Thalian Hall

Wilmington NC Real Estate & Homes – Michelle Roberts , Your Realtor –  Michelle loves working with clients that have high expectations and works diligently to exceed those expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw and Hampstead. (910) 431-5686

FREE EMAIL ALERTS OF NEW BANK-OWNED PROPERTIES.

Monday Market Update – October 25, 2010

by. Melanie Cameron

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend and were able to enjoy the great weather.  I attended my 20th High School Reunion and was reminded how quickly time flys by!

I attended another 2 day Short Sale education class last week and continue to be amazed how confusing the mortgage industry makes it for consumers to get good information about their options if they are in financial distress.  The majority of homeowners that go into foreclosure never seek other alternatives and end up facing the consequences of a foreclosure on their credit for years to come.  Did you know a foreclosure on your credit could cost you a job?  It can cause your insurance premiums to go up?  There are other alternatives and if you meet certain criteria, you may even be able to modify your loan and stay in your home.  If you’re facing financial hardship, don’t put your head in the sand and think it’ll go away.  Call me and we can discuss confidentially your alternatives and what route may be best for you.

Interest rates continue to be at record lows so if you’ve considered buying, it’s the perfect time to do so.  I don’t think you’ll see opportunities like this for a very long time.

We’re here to help with all your real estate needs.  Have a great week and we look forward to hearing from you.

Have a great week!

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Michelle Roberts, Buyer Specialist, 910-431-5686

Alexa Winstead, Marketing/Closing Coordinator 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw, Rocky Point, and Hampstead.
P.S. If you would like to receive this update on Monday via e-mail, you can sign-up for our weekly newsletter by sending us a quick contact.

Monday Morning Coffee – October 25, 2010

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”

- Goethe

BE ALL THAT THEY CAN BE?

On an A&E Biography segment, Oprah Winfrey was being interviewed. She was asked whether she considered all the competing talk shows to be a threat to her own daytime show. She answered with a personal story about running in a marathon.

It seems Oprah had always had a dream of running in a marathon. She trained for two years to get ready, and she ran her marathon. Oprah explained that, to her, competition was like that marathon. As long as she was hitting her stride with her goal of winning in clear focus, there was no time to consider the competition. She added that just turning her head backward to see how close competing runners were to her position was enough to rob her of energy needed to win the race.

Oprah’s view of the competition brought to mind the U.S. Army recruiting slogan: “Be all that you can be!” Note that it doesn’t say, “Be all that THEY can be!” Even when your competition has a recognizable face, why would you want to be them? If you want to improve yourself, speed up your achievements, or earn more money, why not just better your own time? Comparing yourself to others is a waste of precious time and energy.

Realizing your dreams requires a roadmap. First, you decide on a destination – your dream. Next, you choose a route. For Oprah, that involved hiring a personal trainer, improving her aerobic capacity, and adding strength training to her daily regimen. It also helps to identify some stops or landmarks along the way to help you measure your progress. Finally, you apply all your energy to running the race – and achieving your dream.

Oprah’s dream was to run a marathon. What’s yours?

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Michelle Roberts, Buyer Specialist, 910-431-5686

Alexa Winstead, Marketing/Closing Coordinator 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw and Hampstead.

Wilmington Weekly Update – October 20, 2010

Quote of the Week:

“Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living the other helps you make a life.” – Sandra Carey

Local Market Statistics

There are currently 4831 single-family homes for sale in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties.  In the last 6 months (4/23/10-10/20/10), 2129 homes have sold.  These numbers indicate that if NO other homes are listed for sale that there is approximately 14 months worth of inventory.

During the last week (10/13/10-10/20/10):

• 120 Homes were listed FOR SALE
• 57 Homes went UNDER CONTRACT
• 39 Homes SOLD
• 135 Homes FAILED to SELL (Withdrawn or Expired)

Please note all of these statistics are based on single-family residential homes for sale in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties.

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity

Coldwell Banker’s sponsored Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity build is going strong and we are still accepting donations. Our sister office in Jacksonville will be having a car wash on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 from 10:30am-2:30pm. While your car is getting clean, you can also have a hot dog and enter their 50/50 raffle. All proceeds go to Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity.

Area Happenings

October 15 & 16th/October 22 & 23 – Battleship North Carolina GHOST SHIP

October 15th-17th – Wilmington Oktoberfest at Racine Commons

October 20th – Madama Butterfly

October 24th – Comedian John Reep, Winner of Last Year’s Last Comic Standing

October 26th – Batty Battleship Halloween Bash at the U.S.S. North Carolina

October 29th – St. Jude’s 8th Annual Masquerade Ball

November 6th – Wolftoberfest

November 6th – Festival Latino 2010

November 20th – Evening of Hope Wilmington Gala and Silent Auction

December 4th – Old Wilmington by Candlelight Tour

December 9th – Musical – White Christmas at Thalian Hall

December 11th – Ballet: The Nutcracker at Thalian Hall

Wilmington NC Real Estate & Homes – Michelle Roberts , Your Realtor –  Michelle loves working with clients that have high expectations and works diligently to exceed those expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw and Hampstead. (910) 431-5686

FREE EMAIL ALERTS OF NEW BANK-OWNED PROPERTIES.

Monday Market Update – October 19, 2010

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a great weekend.  The weather was beautiful here and Fall is definitely in the air!

I came across a great check list that I wanted to pass on to anyone considering making a home purchase.  The 10 Deadly Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing a Home:

1. Making an offer on a home without being prequalified

2. Not having a home inspection

3. Limiting your search to open houses, ads or the internet

4. Choosing a real estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.

5. Thinking there is only one perfect house out there.

6. Not considering long-term needs.

7. Not examining insurance issues.

8. Not buying a home protection plan.

9. Not knowing total costs involved.

10. Not following through on due diligence.

For more details on this important list and/or to start your home search, give us a call today.  You’ll be glad you did.

Have a great week!

The Cameron Team

Melanie Cameron, Broker 910.233.2840

Susan Harkins, Buyer Specialist, 910.431.2362

Michelle Roberts, Buyer Specialist, 910-431-5686

Alexa Winstead, Marketing/Closing Coordinator 910.202.2547

Diligently working to exceed real estate expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw, Rocky Point, and Hampstead.
P.S. If you would like to receive this update on Monday via e-mail, you can sign-up for our weekly newsletter by sending us a quick contact.

Monday Morning Coffee – October 18, 2010

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

“Pursue the good ardently. But if your efforts fall short, accept the result and move on.”

- Epictetus

WHO ARE YOU?

Who do you want to be? Which are the principles by which you want to live? Do honesty, perseverance, and wisdom define you? Are sincerity, generosity, and a caring attitude your trademark?

Having a vague idea of the benchmark traits you wish to exhibit is not enough. To be extraordinary, it is necessary to define yourself in specific terms. If you haven’t adopted a precise set of principles, consider choosing from the list that follows: humility, diligence, moderation, silence, temperance, chastity, courage, resolution, justice, industry, faithfulness, order, tranquility, cleanliness, encouragement, frugality, generosity, sincerity, persistence, honesty, perseverance, or caring.

Choose five that most closely match the person you would choose to be. Next define what each means to you, and how you can adopt them as your trademark traits. Finally, begin acting like the person you would be. Ben Franklin kept a small diary and rated his actions each day by placing a checkmark each time he violated one of his personal principles. Over time, as the checkmarks dwindled for one principle, he would move on to the next.

There’s no need to discuss your quest for a principle-centered life with anyone. This is personal, very personal. It’s also important to accept the fact that once you’ve adopted a credo, you won’t do a perfect job of living up to it. When you find you’ve fallen short, “accept the result and move on.”

Unless you’re living the perfect life right now, and most of us aren’t, give some thought to redefining yourself. Decide to be extraordinary and do whatever you must do – NOW!

Wilmington NC Real Estate & Homes – Michelle Roberts , Your Realtor –  Michelle loves working with clients that have high expectations and works diligently to exceed those expectations in Wilmington, NC and surrounding areas including Ogden, Porters Neck, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Castle Hayne, Leland, Burgaw and Hampstead. (910) 431-5686

FREE EMAIL ALERTS OF NEW BANK-OWNED PROPERTIES.

Energy Conservation Tips to Save You Money!

Image via Wikipedia

Aside from the obvious benefit of saving money, running an energy efficient home benefits us all in the greater community. We reduce global warming and help keep our dollars in the country as supposed to sending them to often unsavoury regimes overseas. Even if we implement just a few of the listed tips, the savings will be substantial and one’s satisfaction even greater. Temperature Control of Your Home Heating and cooling accounts for approximately about 2/3 of your energy costs. Implementing just a few energy saving tips in this area will have a big impact on your energy bill.

1.Install ceiling fans. They effectively supplement or may even serve as an alternative to air conditioning. They generally use very little electricity. To make them more effective, adjust your fan so that it is blowing air downwards.

2. Install a programmable thermostat. Set it to lower the heat by a few degrees at night and when you are away. Raise the temperature of the AC when you have left for the day. You can save even more money if during your absence you switch off your AC altogether. Make sure that you turn the AC back on well ahead before your return. It may take a while to return the temperature in your home to a comfortable level. Your investment in a good thermostat – around $50 – will be easily recouped in a few months. After that period, it is just pure savings into your pocket.

3. Enlist the help of your window coverings to help control the inside temperature: keep them closed during the hot days in the summer. Open them especially on the south facing windows in the winter.

4. Take off your socks and see how your feet feel on a bare floor. If your feet are cold, the floor likely cools the air in the house as well so lay down a few area rugs.

5. In many countries, people are dressed quite warmly inside their homes. If you feel cool, don’t simply run to the thermostat as the first resort. Put on a sweater and warm slippers and keep your temperature low.

6. Make the job easier for your furnace. Replacing the air filter on your furnace every month will improve its efficiency and thereby save you more money.

7. When you are out of the room, turn off unnecessary lights. Most electric light fixtures produce heat which works against the AC.

8. Here is one measure which will take a few years before you can reap its benefits. Plant a few leafy trees on the side of your house with the most sun. During the summer the trees provide shade and in the winter after they shed their leaves, they let the warming sun rays through.

9. This energy saving tip may not affect the temperature control of your house but definitely affects your total energy consumption. When not in use, unplug your electrical appliances, TV sets and DVD players and so on. These electrical home gadgets, even if they are switched off but still plugged in, consume considerable amount of energy. In the state of California, the total amount of electricity required to power the switched off appliances, when they are showing just the time of day and perhaps fancy display screens, consume the equivalent output of one coal powered station. That’s a lot of energy we can all save and help clean the environment.

Tips provided by:

Peter Diamant, a Realtor with Sutton Group-Admiral, who specializes in Richmond Hill Homes for Sale . He is also a popular agent in two condo complexes – Townsgate Condos and Beecroft Condos .