Wilmington NC Real Estate

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Wilmington NC First Time Home Buyer Credit~New Rules, Good Deal!

 

Wilmington NC Area First Time Buyers~ Breaking NEWS!

The $8000 Tax Credit for  First Time * Home Buyers just got better! !
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development today announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will now allow home buyers to apply the $8,000 first-time * home buyer  tax credit toward the purchase price/closing costs of a FHA-insured home. Housing Secretary Donovan was very hopeful that this new rule action will help to stabilize housing markets by across the country by an increase if future home sales.


New Tax Credit Rules Can Help More Buyers

Originally the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offered First Time Home Buyers a tax credit/refund of up to $8,000.  The "old" guidelines allowed this credit to be received as a refund only after the Home Buyers filed tax returns with the IRS.  The FHA's new rules allowing state Housing Finance Agencies  and certain non-profits to "monetize" up to $8000 of the tax credit (which depends on the amount of the mortgage) so that borrowers can apply the funds toward their down payments.
 

Lower Monthly Payments Possible... Sound good?

First Time Home buyers * using FHA-approved lenders can apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.5 percent of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate.

 
Down Payment Requirements & Guidelines

Remember, Borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are still required to make a minimum 3.5 percent down payment on the purchase of their home. Current law does not permit approved lenders to monetize the tax credit to meet the required 3.5 percent minimum down payment, but, under the terms of today's announcement, lenders can now use the tax credit immediately as additional down payment, or for other closing costs, which can in effect create a lower interest rate & monthly payment.  In addition to the borrower's own cash investment, FHA allows parents, employers and other governmental entities to contribute towards the down payment.

 
Projected Home Sales Expected to Climb with New Tax Credit  

According to estimates by the National Association of Home Builders, the  home buyer tax credit will stimulate 160,000 home sales, 101,000 of which will be first-time buyers who will receive the credit. Another 59,000 existing sellers will be able to buy another home because a first-time buyer purchased their home.
 

Buyer Beware! Scammers are on the Prowl!

Potential buyers should beware that their are all kinds of mortgage scammers out there, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting. It is crucial to consult with seasoned, respected financial services provider.  The local Wilmington NC Area mortgage professionals that we recommend have the outstanding reputation, expertise, integrity & diligence, that every buyer deserves, and they are also FHA approved lenders.

 
Wilmington NC Homes for Sale

Are you ready to go shopping for your Wilmington NC area home
with some Governments money?  There are some terrific buys out there! Sellers are eager, prices are down, interests rates, according to the experts will not be going lower, and free money will only be available for a few more months!  


Want to get moving??? Call us for more details & to see if you would like to team with us to help you achieve your goals!  We'd love to show you what your money can buy. You just might be very surprised!

 
*Remember: definition of first time home buyer is anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past 3 years!

 

Related Reading: Wilmington NC Home Buyers:: First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit May Help You!

 

© Ginger Sala, Keller Williams Realty Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialist:  serves the beautiful Coastal North Carolina areas of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Hampstead, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Topsail Island, Surf City & Leland. Wilmington NC Living truly has something for everyone!" Visit our website: CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com   for Wilmington NC Area Information, Wilmington NC Schools, Wilmington NC MLS listings!     Click here to contact Ginger 

                                              "Coast Home to North Carolina!"

 

Wilmington NC Makes Forbes List Best in Business, Again!

  

                               Wilmington NC Moving on Up!

Wilmington NC is on the move...last year #38 this year #13 in overall rankings on Forbes List of Best US Cities for Business & Careers! Wilmington ranks even higher in the category of cost of doing business coming in at #3! right behind its NC neighbors Greensboro & Asheville!

This years criteria included 2 new categories for selection: projected job growth and the lowest number of subprime mortgages as a percentage of total mortgages over a three-year period.

In addition to Wilmington, our North Carolina cities to the west made strong showings on Forbes List. Raleigh came in at #1 with it's close neighbor Durham taking the 3rd spot. Asheville #6, Winston Salem #18 and Charlotte #19.



                     
                          Forbes Ranked 200 Metro Areas



Forbes rankings include 200 largest metro areas (populations over 240,000) as defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and are based on nine factors which include:

    * five-year historical job &  income growth
    * projections of job & income growth
    * migration trends
    * business cost index
    * labor, tax,
    * energy costs
    * office space costs
    * cost of living index, which factors in housing, transportation, food and other household expenditures.


               

                                  More Positive News for Wilmington

Builder Online named Wilmington # 14 out of  75 housing markets studied in the country. The markets were ranked by population trends and job growth, the state of home prices & the rate building permits, which they say may be the single best ongoing indicator of builder confidence in a market. They combined all these metrics to produce a score for each market.

Read the complete article on Wilmington NC  by Builder Online
Here
 

Wilmington NC: A great place to do business and a terrific place to call home! Thinking of relocating to our beautiful coastal area? We'd love to tell you all about Living in Wilmington, our wonderful new "hometown".

 

©Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialist serving the beautiful Coastal NC areas of Wilmington , Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina & Kure Beach & Leland NC.

                                                              "Coast Home to North Carolina!"

Wilmington NC: The Sporting Life for Spectators!

                       

Sports Lovers are you thinking of relocating to Wilmington NC? It's good to know that you won't have to leave your favorite spectator sports behind!

 

 Sports mania is alive and vibrant in the Wilmington NC area, and although the teams and the size of the crowds may be different, the enthusiasm and team spirit remain! Here's a guide to what you can expect as a Cape Fear Sports Spectator

 

                                                                                                   

                                                                

 

                                                   Wilmington NC Spectator Sports

 

  • BASKETBALL

 

The Wilmington Sea Dawgs of the ABA League has its home games in the Schwartz Center at Cape Fear Community College. Wilmingtonians are thrilled with the new addition of this pro team to the community! 

 

 

 

 

 

  • BASEBALL

 

The Sharks Wilmington’s own semi-pro baseball team are in their season 12. Opening game is the May 28 this year. Games are played at the Legion Stadium Sports Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • SOCCER


Soccer is alive and well in Wilmington NC, our own pro league is in its 12th year. The fan base grows every year. Wilmington Hammerheads soccer team games are fun for the whole family and feature crowd participation contest at all home games Hammerheads soccer team is a member of the United Soccer Leagues Second Division.

 

 

 

 

 

  • COLLEGE SPORTS

UNCW Sports

 UNCW Seahawks Men’s & Women’s Basketball rock! They are on a winning streak...Games at the Trask Coliseum. Read the latest on UNCW Mens Seahawk Basketball

Seahawks Baseball fans were thrilled with their recent winning seasons! Games at Brooks Field. The Seahawks Swim Team had a record year last year.

 UNCW has a full roster of Sports including Golf, Volleyball, Track & Field, Tennis. The Seahawks Swim Team had a phenomenal record year last year. Catch the action at UNCW.

 

CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CFCC Mens Basketball team is hot. For the 6th year in a row it is a contender in the Conference Playoffs. Womens Sports Teams at CFCC  include Golf, Volleyball, Soccer.  Men also compete in Soccer and Golf.

 

 

  • WILMINGTON NC HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

 

Our town has some awesome high school sports teams with raving fans. The Locals went wild this year when Wilmington's Hoggard High School Football Team won the NC State Football Championship!  read: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED - HOGGARD WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!  

 

High School Basketball is a big draw here in Wilmington the home town of Michael Jordan who led his Laney High School the Alma Mater to many wins. Laney is still a formidable contender. The Laney Girls basketball team is competing in the Conference Championship for the 6th year in a row. Hoggard and New Hanover finished right behind the Lady Bucs in the regular season standings and will certainly be formidable foes.

 

The Wildcats New Hanover Boys Basketball team has won 13 Conference Championships and is entering this years conference play on-top was top.  Laney or Ashley High School are also competing in the first round play.

 

There is so much more going on in our local sports scene. Check out the Cape Fear Sports Report  for all the latest Local Sports News and Events

 

PLAY BALL!

 

by Ginger Sala, Broker, Realtor®, ASP  Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialist  serving the beautiful Coastal NC areas of Wilmington , Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina & Kure Beach & Leland NC. 


New Hanover County NC Attractions offer Free Admission to Residents Sunday March 1!

New Hanover County NC residents have a great opportunity to visit some of our Wilmington NC area's most popular attractions for Free this weekend as once again the Cultural Community of Wilmington NC gives back to its residents. For the 14thAnnual "Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown" Residents' Appreciation Day will be celebrated this weekend on Sunday March 1, 2009

arboretum Wilmington NC

 

Unfortunately, the forecast could not be gloomier with rains expected for the entire day. I am wondering if the County will give us a RAIN check since so many of the area attractions are outdoors.

 

From Gardens to Battleships, from Museums to Mansions, there is surely something for all tastes,ages and interests to explore for free this Sunday in Wilmington NC

 

 Some of the Wilmington NC area attractions opening their doors to residents free of charge on Sunday include:

 

 

Airlie Gardens

Bellamy Mansion 

Battleship North Carolina 

Cape Fear Museum

Cameron Art Museum

Screen Gems Studio 

Wrightsville Beach Museum 

 

Full list of free attractions and hours are available atCape Fear Coast 

 

ginger in NC

by Ginger Sala, Keller Williams, Broker, Realtor®, ASP  Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialist  serving the beautiful Coastal NC areas of Wilmington , Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina & Kure Beach & Leland NC. 

Photos copyright Ginger Sala and may not be used without express permission

 

 

Wilmington NC Home Buyers:: First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit May Help You!

Attention all Wilmington NC area first-time home buyers!!  Did  you know that you are eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 or 10% of the home's value, (whichever is less). This deduction can be taken  on a 2008 or 2009 tax return!

After much anticipation and congressional haggling, the final details of the Stimulus Package in regards to First Time Home Buyers has been signed, sealed and presented to the public.

Some exciting details of the plan provide that even taxpayers who have paid less than $8000 in withholding will benefit from this provision!  Depending on whether you owe taxes for the  year, or whether you are expecting a refund, the Tax credit will either be added to you refund, or subtracted from what is owed.

 

Questions on the First Time Home Buyer Credit:

Who Qualifies as a First Time Home Buyer?

  • You may be surprised to learn that the definition of First Time Home Buyer includes anyone who has not owned a home in the past 3 years!

Are There Any Restrictions on the Home Buyers Credit?

YES!

  • Income must not exceed $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for marrieds ( however these buyers may receive a partial credit)
  • Buyers must occupy their purchased home for a 3 year minimum, otherwise the credit must be repaid.
  • Purchase must be made between  January 1, 2009 and December 1st, 2009.

How do I claim the credit?

  • It will be  claimed on your normal tax return on IRS form 5405 nothing else is required.
  • Taxpayers who have already filed 2008 returns can file amended returns  to claim the credit.


Do I Have to Repay this Credit?

  •  NO, unless you move out of your home before the 3 year occupancy requirement


According to the National Association of Realtors projections, the new Home Buyer Tax Credit  will enable 300,000 buyers to purchase a home. Although we were all hoping for the Senate $15,000 tax credit proposal to pass, we are grateful for any incentive to help potential buyers to enter the market.  Hopefully  the economic Domino Effect of these future home buyers will be work for those in related home services fields who may have lost their jobs otherwise

Useful sites for further info:

 

Information about the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

View IRS Publication 5405:  2008 First time Home buyers Tax Deduction


Wilmington NC is terrific place to live!  There are some great houses for sale in the  Wilmington NC, Hampstead NC & Leland NC area! Like beach living?.. I can help you find a terrific deal on a home or condos in Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach & Kure Beach!

by Ginger Sala, Keller Williams Realty Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialist serving the beautiful coastal NC areas of Wilmington , Hampstead, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina & Kure Beach, & Leland NC. Coast Home to North Carolina!

 

 

 

Interest Rates - A quick market report - RATES GOING LOWER.. or not?

 

My friend Jeff Belonger offers his insight  and expertise as a mortgage professional in this enlightening post on the current state of mortgage interest rates and where they may be trending!

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

mortgage rates lower

Mortgage Interest Rates - They are becoming a big topic of conversation in recent weeks. About a month ago, there were many reports stating that rates will come down to 4.5%.  And depending on how you look at it, we are just about there.

This is all based on a FHA mortgage ..... (Conventional rates are about 1/2 pt worse and even more so, depending on your credit scores)

4.50% would cost any where from 1 3/4 pts to 2 3/4 pts, depending on your loan amount and the state that you live in.

5.00% would cost any where from zero points to 1 pt, again, depending on your loan amount and the state that you live in.

 

So what is the deal?  Yes, rates are very low. The MBS's (mortgage backed securities) are being bought by government funds, which have driven the rates lower. But in my honest opinion, I don't see them staying low for any time long. Don't get use to this.

 

 

 

problem with rates

So here is the problem to where I see things. Again, the MBS's are being bought and in many cases, usually become stronger and more attractive, and this helps lower rates. The 4.5% coupon and the 5.0% coupon is very cheap right now, which you would think rates would be lower. Coupled with the fact that the stock market has been losing daily, except for a slight gain today. Also the 10 year yield rose slightly today, but for the week, has been lower than in previous weeks.

What does this mean?  Typically when what was mentioned above happens, rates usually come down. But the problem with this is that they are the lowest in many years. And I don't see them staying low for any length of time. If I had to put a time frame on it, possibly staying low for 1 1/2 weeks, or maybe the possibility of a whole month. But that would be pushing it. What would be my reasons for rates to increase?

Jeff's reasons....  one of the basics is that we just can't sustain low rates for the long term. This will do more harm than good. Sure, it's helped refinances to increase in recent weeks. But the purchase market has slightly increased. More and more people seem to be sitting on the fence, waiting for rates to lower.  PEOPLE... listen up.... if you had plans to buy, buy now, don't wait.

 

 

 

Conclusion :  As mentioned, we can't sustain low rates. Consumer spending is slowing, yields will rise, and there is speculation that President - Elect Barack Obama will increase borrowing to record highs to pay for his economic rescue package. With all of that, you would have the risk of inflation rising. Low mortgage rates do not always jump start the economy.  If people save a $100 here or there, it doesn't get replaced into our economy in areas that are most critical.  Lowering your mortgage payment on your new home, should not mean that you buy more or bigger. It should allow you to save more, hence one of the reasons why we are in this mess. This is not a fluff post or to make you happy post. It's reality and we need to see past the low rates. This post should have read, rates possibly going up, but I wanted to get your attention.

 

If you have been thinking about refinancing, do it now. If it makes sense 3 weeks ago, do it now. If you are waiting for lower rates, I won't feel for you when rates do go up, when they increase. Don't buy because rates are down, buy because you can afford it and think of lower rates as a bonus... or that you won the lottery.

PS.... and if you want bragging rights amongst your neighbors, co-workers, and family... put that behind you and save money, don't lose money. Besides, every borrower is different, because of credit score & LTV (loan to value), so one rate will be different than the other. That is just a fact.  Don't be left behind because you wanted to brag the loudest, be a winner in your own world.

 

 

For two other good posts that give some other insights to what I didn't talk about, please read these :

 

 

 

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - Conventional Loans - VA Loans - Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2008-2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2008 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!!


Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger

Wilmington NC: New Years Eve Concert Calvary Baptist Church!

 

Don't like rowdy new Years Eve parties? Or those costly New Year celebrations in the clubs? Feeling like staying home and commiserating about the awful year most of the country just survived???

 

Are there any New Year celebrations in Wilmington NC to lift your mood? How about celebrating in Church?

 

Join the Pillar Music Group under the direction of Joey Gore for a uplifting evening of Praise and Thanksgiving in song.

 

The glorious sounds of Wilmington Celebration Choir and guests will surely lift your spirits as we begin the New Year!

 

The FREE concert at Calvary Baptist Church Wilmington, NC begins at 8pm and features:The Wilmington Celebration Choir, Paula Greene, Joey Gore, Willing Heart, Sherry Watkins, Mike Kelly,Voice of Ruth, Marsha King, Angie Payne, Voices of Wrightsboro, Julie & Kevin Foss,and many more.

 

The concert will bring in the New Year and end at midnight. There will be an intermission time in the Church hall with cookies and beverages. 

 

Calvary Baptist is Located at the Corner of Princess Place Drive and 23rd St. Just bring a caned food item for the needy.  A Love offering will be taken.

                   Happy New Year!  

                              Ginger & Roger

         

Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialists

Wilmington NC Area Churches Celebrate Christmas Week in Song!

Have you all have finished your shopping and have a little time left over to spend celebrating the reason for the season? Wilmington Churches have a variety of choices now through Tuesday. Here are some of the highlights!

                                                                    

Sunday December 21,2008

 

Calvary Baptist Church

The Calvary Choir  presents "Once Upon A Holy Night"
Sunday December 21st @6:30 For more information call 762-5608.

Sunset Park Baptist Church

 ''The Name. . .Jesus'' on Sunday, a lovely Christmas  Cantata  will be presented by  The Chancel Choir of Sunset Park Baptist Church (231 Central Blvd) will  December 21st at 6 pm. For  information call 762-4486.

Rocky Point Baptist Church
Rocky Point Baptist Church (50 Porters Lane) in Rocky Point will present a cantata titled ''Emmanuel, Celebrating Heaven's Child'' on Sunday, December 21st at 6 pm. For more information call 675-2535.


 

 

Tuesday, December 23, 1008


First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church (125 South Third St) continues it's Tuesday Organ Recitals for the Season of Advent Lunch is served following the concert  reservation must be made by noon on Monday preceding the concert.   for more information call 762-6688.
   

River City Reformed Church
Harpist Nancy Brennand of the South Carolina symphony accompanied by the Wilmington Symphony String Quartet will perform at the River City Reformed Church at Historic Saint Thomas Preservation Hall (208 Dock Street) the Candlelight Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols on begins at  at 6:30 pm  For more information call 520-0272.

                    Merry Christmas to You!

 

 

 

Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialist

 

Wilmington NC Churches Celebrate the Joys of the Season

Wilmington NC churches are offering a variety of concerts, plays and live nativity presentations this weekend. Public invited and all are free!

 

A candlelight Lovefeast will be clebrated at Pine Valley United Methodist Church  on Sunday, December 14th at 7 pm. In the the traditon of Moravian worship. Traditional carols, reflective worship & a simple meal will be shared to celebrate the Advent season. For more information call 791-0353.

 

 

Who doesn't love a live Nativity presentation? College Acres Baptist Church corner Eastwood Rd & Cardinal Dr will have their 28th annual Living Nativity on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday the 14th from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. you will feel as if you are in Bethelehem as luminaries light your way & Angelic music filld the air.  park or drive through to view this Nativity scene. For more info call 799-3773.

 

One of Wilmingtons treasured landmarks, First Presbyterian Church  on Third St will have a program on Sunday, December 14th at 5 pm with John T Hoggard High School Holiday Choral Concert. The concert is free and donations are appreciated. Child care is provided. For more information call 762-6688 or visit their website.

 

First Presbyterian will also host Organ Recitals for the Season of Advent on Tuesday, December 16th and 23rd at 12:10 pm. Lunch is availble  following the concerts for a fee of 6.00 reservations must be made by noon on Monday preceding the concert. Call 762-6688.

 

Preview of next weekend~


The chancel Choir of Pine Valley United Methodist Church will present ''Noel, Night of Everlasting Love'' with bells & orchestra on Saturday, December 20th & Sunday the 21st at 7 pm in the Christian Life Center.call 791-0353.


Wishing you all the Blessings of the Season~

 

Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation Specialist

CHRISTMAS Shopping Can be Fun in Wilmington NC

 

 

                                            

 

If you are looking for a unique Christmas gifts, and a relaxed shopping experience, you may want to avoid the traditional malls and spend time exploring Wilmington's NC shops less travelled! While on this journey you are sure to make some new friends, find some special and unusual gifts and lend support to local artisans and craftsman. 

 

                Here are my picks for your holiday shopping pleasure...

 

 

 

 

The Blue Moon Gift Shop Emporium WOW! The selection of merchandise here will dazzle youWith over 100 local artists and craftspeople under one roof, the Blue Moon is a shopper’s delight. Some of the unique items you may find for that special someone included Hand painted Glassware, Mosaics, and Pottery, Fine Art and Photography open Mon-Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-5 Sunday 12-5

 

 

 

cotton exchange

 

The Cotton Exchange in Historic Downtown Wilmington once the center of Wilmington NC mercantile trade, has been lovingly restored and houses an eclectic mix of specialty shops and restaurants. The cobblestone streets and original brick will bring you back to another era.

My favorite shop there is the Golden gallery. For 30 years the shop of local artist extraordinaire Mary Ellen Golden has been attracting customers from all over the globe.  She has recently expanded her space at the Cotton Exchange. You can pick up lovely prints or original Watercolor paintings of local Cape Fear scenery for that extra special gift! Take a look at her work on her website store Mary Ellen Golden

 

 

Lumina Station  is collection of charming shops and restaurants located on Eastwood Rd. just a couple of miles from Wrightsville Beach. Some of the shops you might want to try here are:  Fountainside Fine Art Gallery fine original Art,  and The Pink Petunia which features monogrammed gifts and apparel   

 

 

You can find a good selection of high quality stores at the Mayfaire Town Center . My personal favorite is the diminutive jewelry boutique Vanity packs a wallop of selections in a small space. They feature lovely handmade jewelry pieces, with a wonderful price point and trendy leather bags at unbelievable prices.  They also carry some scarves and sunglasses... and they will also send you coupons on your birthday and valentines for special savings!  

 

 

Or how about a gift certificate for GLOMedspaYour lady will love you for it!  Their slogan is "come and get your GLOW!"  There services include a complete selection of facials, and extras such as cosmetic fillers and wrinkle treatments.

 

 The Learning Express is a boutique toy shop for children that offers unique educational toys for kids custom monogramming and excellent service. Two locations in Wilmington. Military Cutoff next to PT's Grille and Hanover Mall on Oleander.

 

Happy Shopping!

                    Merry Christmas!

 by Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation