Moving Tips: Make Unpacking Less Daunting

Posted in Buyer Tips, News You Can Use, Team Gale on Sep 23, 2015

Coldwell Banker Blue Matter has articles on everything from kitchen updates to ideas for holiday decorating to understanding real estate jargon.

Contributor Lindsey Chamberlain shared some tips for de-stressing the process of unpacking in your new place. Read her complete list here.

•  Clean your home or apartment before you move in! Areas like the kitchen and bathroom will be so much easier to clean without a clutter of boxes. Set aside some time to give the important areas of your new home a thorough once-over.

• Your movers and helpers are likely to be way more enthusiastic and limber at th...

Slide Fest Wilmington

Posted in News You Can Use, Team Gale on Sep 18, 2015

There is no shortage of outdoor recreation, activities, or festivals in the greater New Hanover area. With our mild climate, cultural establishments, and coastal views, the end of summer does not mean the end of fun!

On Sunday, September 20, Red Cross Street in the downtown district will be blocked off to through traffic between Third Street and Water Street as the city hosts "Slide Fest."

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to splish and splash about a 300-yard water slide through the beautiful, historic riverfront. Tickets are still available, priced at $10 for a single ride; $25 for 5 r...

Featured Land in Sloop Point Plantation

Posted in Featured Homes series, Foreclosures in SE NC, Hampstead NC Real Estate, Team Gale on Sep 17, 2015

Lot 23 Shipyard Lane, Hampstead, NC 28443

This property is quite literally awesome... We cannot think of a reason you wouldn't want this to be your view!

Lot 23 on Shipyard Lane in the Sloop Point Plantation in Hampstead is the best parcel of land currently available in the coastal market. This tract is just under an acre, at the end of a cul-de-sac, atop a bluff overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway at Virginia Creek.

There is ample buildable space outside the floodplain, so insurance will not be an issue. The plot has expired CAMA an septic permits - small hurdles to overcome if you want ...

Common Missteps in House Hunting

Posted in Buyer Tips, News You Can Use, Team Gale on Sep 16, 2015

Before you dedicate every Saturday to hitting as many open houses as your city holds, you need to know what you're looking for. If your Trulia search produced over a hundred results, you may lack focus in your "wants" and "needs" criteria which will make your eventual house hunt increasingly frustrating.

Making sure you are informed before entering into the search process will help you narrow what you're looking for and get to the offer stage more quickly.

Here are five tips from Team Gale to help you as you set off on your journey to homeownership!

1. Shopping for a home before you know how mu...

Featured Home in Evergreen Estates

Posted in Featured Homes series, Team Gale on Sep 10, 2015

5055 Highland Drive, Bolivia, NC 28422

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath home in Evergreen Estates. 1330 square foot home is close to area beaches and fishing access.

5055 Highland Drive has been renovated, including exterior siding, roof, and HVAC. Home will be sold partially furnished; washer, dryer, refrigerator will convey. No HOA, no city taxes!

Lots of natural light beaming in through large windows on either side of home. Enjoy a warm coastal breeze and sunset sitting in your expansive back yard lined with mature trees. Let the kids roam or the dogs run on over half an acre!

Call Bill Carney today for ...

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your House

Posted in Seller Tips, Team Gale on Sep 09, 2015

A 2014 survey by The National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that on average, homeowners reside in the same house for a decade. The sentimentality of the homeowner upon listing can be a hindrance, but an experienced broker can help you navigate the emotions on either side of the contract.

Currently, nationwide, it is a seller's market. Here are five points to consider when selling your house so that you can get the best price in the shortest amount of time.

1. What you think your home is worth and the price you can sell it for are two very different numbers. Properties that are overpri...

Featured Home in Pink Hill

Posted in Featured Homes series, Jacksonville NC Real Estate, Team Gale on Sep 08, 2015

2685 Sarecta Road, Pink Hill, NC 28572

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home in Duplin County has interior upgrades including a fireplace, laminate hardwoods, and ample cabinet storage. Counter island for eat-in kitchen. Large dining area off the kitchen, could be hobby room or home office if you prefer.

The home has a covered front porch and handicap-accessible ramp. This Pink Hill area home will give you plenty of room to roam! 2685 Sarecta Road has a beautiful, tree-lined 1/3 acre yard.

The price on this property has dropped significantly over the summer, as the sellers are eager to mov...

Featured Home in Rock Hill Plantation

Posted in Featured Homes series, Team Gale on Sep 03, 2015

 3210 Belt Road, Castle Hayne, NC 28429

This manufactured home in Rock Hill Plantation has new carpet and laminate flooring, upgraded kitchen appliances and countertops, and fresh paint throughout. This residence offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, with a walk-in closet off the master.

If you're looking for your own little corner of coastal country, 3210 Belt Road is move-in ready! Lot is nearly a half acre, surrounded by mature trees. Property is on a quiet side street, but all the conveniences of Wilmington are just a short drive away.

This home has a permanent brick foundation, an on-site...

Last Chance for White Pants Gala '15

Posted in Events In Our Area, Team Gale on Sep 02, 2015

Featured Home in Riegelwood

Posted in Featured Homes series, Team Gale on Sep 01, 2015

1378 Sand Hole Road, Riegelwood, NC 28456

1378 Sand Hole Road is a great 3 bedroom, 2.5 Bath home priced at $175,000. It is move-in ready for your family! Interior features include custom cabinetry, breakfast nook, finished room over garage, 2-car attached garage. Large living room has a gas fireplace. Eat-in kitchen and formal dining area.

Enjoy room to roam on over half an acre in beautiful Riegelwood, NC, just a short drive from area beaches, entertainment and dining of Wilmington or Whiteville.

Team Gale is proud to represent this Columbus County home. For details or to arrange a showing,...

Wilmington Among Best Cities in Nation for Independent Entrepreneurs

Posted in Local Business Profile, Market Reports, News You Can Use, Team Gale, Wilmington NC Real Estate on Aug 27, 2015

Wilmington scored the second slot on NerdWallet's Top 10 Prime Locations for Independent Entrepreneurship. Apparently the Port City and it's outlaying regions are chock full of the right people to support businesses large and small!

183 metropolitan areas were evaluated for this report. Those cities needed to have 15,000 or more businesses, and a population greater than 250,000. Average revenue of businesses, percent of businesses with paid employees, and number of businesses per 100 people were considered; along with median annual income, median annual housing costs, and unemployment rate....

Featured Home in Longwood

Posted in Team Gale on Aug 20, 2015

7340 Mt. Zion Church Road, Longwood, NC 28452

7340 Mt. Zion Church Road is a charming, 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home in Longwood. If you can get passed the previous owner's bold paint choices, you will find 7340 Mt. Zion Church Road to be a great home with many upgrades.

Enjoy mahogany colored laminate flooring in the common areas, an open kitchen with functional island and inviting fireplace; formal dining area; master suite with sitting area, walk-in closet, linen closet, double vanity, and stall shower with ceramic tile.

Tucked away just four miles off of Route 17, this property offers a quiet...

Three Onslow Towns Named Best for First-time Buyers

Posted in Jacksonville NC Real Estate, News You Can Use, Team Gale on Aug 19, 2015

NerdWallet, Inc. recently analyzed the best cities in North Carolina for first-time homebuyers. Three Onslow area towns ranked in the top ten!

Data on cities from across the Tar Heel State was examined to see the growth of population, appreciation of home value, median income, and crime rating between 2010 and 2013.  Half Moon (5th), Jacksonville (8th), and Piney Green (9th) proved to be among the best places for first-time homeowners to live.

The financial advisory company has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNBC, and Forbes. They also evaluated Alabama and New Jerse...

Featured Home in Tuckers Square

Posted in Featured Homes series, Team Gale on Aug 18, 2015

704 Mississippi Avenue, Kure Beach, NC 28449

Our marketing coordinator simply cannot understand why anyone would sell this beautiful beach house! On to bigger and better, we suppose... And what good luck for you!

704 Mississippi Avenue is a completely upgraded and immaculately styled 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home just a mile from the beach. This house is over 2800 square feet, on about a tenth of an acre plot. Outdoor space is not lacking; enjoy a grill area with fish cleaning station, plenty of room for rocking chairs and a place to lean your surfboard on front and rear covered porches.

Base lev...

Demystifying The Refinance Process

Posted in Buyer Tips, News You Can Use, Seller Tips, Team Gale on Aug 10, 2015

Markets across the nation have rebounded from the burst bubble of '08, with more and more homeowners proactively trying to optimize and stabilize their assets. Home ownership is one of the most, if not the most, important investment a person or family can make. If you plan to stay in your home for some time, refinancing is responsible; as it provides the opportunity to assess the value of your home, clarify your equity, and potentially save you money on your outstanding mortgage payments. One issue associated with refinancing that always hangs people up is whether it costs anything to explore....