The Week in Review...your Wilmington ConnectionNovember 3, 2007 Wilmington is experiencing the first slight chill in the air. Just in time for those final soccer games, the season is wrapping up click here for pictures of the tinaabraham.com team. Congratulations to a Great Season! The Real estate market is still faring well here, with Wilmington being a southeastern hotspot. Look here for some up to date stats. It sure beats property taxesOn Nov. 6, voters in Brunswick and Pender counties will decide whether there's a fairer way to pay for growth. By saying yes to a land-transfer tax, they'll put some of the burden on those who benefit most directly from that growth.If voters agree, counties can now levy a tax of four-tenths of one percent on the sale of property. That's $400 for every... 11/05/2007

 November and the official start to "The Holiday Season"  This the season, and Thanksgiving is our favorite. Why?  Is it all those football games?....NO  Eating all that turkey?...NO  Getting together with family?....well yes.  Thanksgiving to us is "THE 3RD ANNUAL WILMINGTON TURKEY TROT" The Trot as it is now being called, is a fun Run/Walk at The Wrightsville Beach, NC Loop to benefit and raise money for the  local Habitat for Humanity.  Last years event, over 350 runners, walkers, and spectators joined in the festivities on an early Thanksgiving morning, and gave over $4000.00 to Habitat.  For many years our family started Thanksgiving off with a spirited run of 3 miles to celebrate the season.  Being from upstate New York many of those year's "run" were in conditions usually not con... 11/03/2007

The Week in Review...your Wilmington ConnectionOctober 27, 2007 I trust you and your family will have a Happy Halloween, Let me know if you have any amusing stories to share. Last year my family and I got all dressed up in costume a cat, a devil, ninja and a fairy....well we were attending a party, but when we arrived no one was there as we arrived one day early..needless to say we had to dress up again the next day. Very funny! ( I cried with laughter...but my crew were not amused. It appears the Wilmington Real estate market has picked up. We had double the amount of contracts this week. Why you ask? Mortgage rates are good, home prices have dropped some and what better time to get into a new home just in time for the holidays. Bradley Creek area sewer work to continue Site work has b... 10/28/2007

 Wilmington NC is often referred to as the “city of churches”  There seems to be one on every corner. In addition to the community outreaches and volunteer groups they provide, many Congregations also shine the Light of Love, Hope and Inspiration through the gift of their music ministries.  It’s unusual for a week or two to pass by without some gospel concert being offered to the public, often free of charge.  Tonight is one of those blessed evenings. good Gospel Concert A Night Of Worship'' hosted by Southside Baptist Church will take place tonight at 7pm. Musicians of Southside Baptist Church and local guest artists will perform the concert.  free admission and childcare is provided! located on College Rd. Between Shipyard and 17th.     10/27/2007

 This is such a fun time of year for kids and adults. The weather has been fantastic so it's a good time to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds and treats of Wilmington. Here's a sampling of some spooktacular things to do around town this week... Have fun!   Saturday October 27th   GHOST SHIP, Saturday at 6pm.  This event will be held on the Battleship North Carolina where you will hear true spooky Battleship tales. The  Battleship has been featured  on paranormal programs, now come see for yourself! Battleship staff & volunteers will lead you through the bowels of the ship to hear true Battleship tales! Admission 10   POPLAR GROVE HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL continues.Friday through Sunday. What fun on the grounds of this historic Wilmington home . There is a  Haunted barn/hayride, rides, g... 10/26/2007

The Week in Review ...your Wilmington ConnectionOctober 20, 2007 The weather outside today is gorgeous,don't pack those bathing suits away yet! Get outside an enjoy the sun. Wilmington has seen a high number of visitors so far this month. Who can resist a city that has everything. Thinking of relocating? click here to search the MLS. or just email me with any questions about the local market.  Local Housing MarketLocal home prices weathered the downturn in demand. The average home sales price this September was $272,000, down 2 percent from September 2006. The median - or midpoint - price was up5 percent to $208,000 in the same period.The contrast between sales and home prices is unusual, said local economist Woody Hall, a professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Other ... 10/21/2007

                                                           The Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network is an awesome local Ministry that has brought the Light of Love and the Healing of Hope to hundreds of families who are in the midst of tough times. By offering a place to stay and a way to get back on their feet, many families have escaped the bonds of poverty and gone forward to enjoy productive secure lives. The volunteer network of local churches and individuals is totally dedicated to serving the needs of these families be offering physical, spiritual, emotional, and financial support.Currently there are 13 local Churches involved in providing accommodations and meals for three to five families at a time.  Guests' stay in the program can last from a few weeks to a few months  Th... 10/20/2007

 There's no hint of Halloween in the air, as our temperatures are more conducive to walking on the beach than trick or treating.  So how about taking advantage of some FREE local events on the campus of UNCW to get in the holiday mood?Beginning Wednesday October 24th UNCW presents a "Hat Trick" of Halloween fun festivities for all ages! The festivities Kick off with a Family Halloween Carnival Fun for the whole family will include games, prizes, and an outdoor Haunted Forest. And of course CANDY.Adults and  children ages 5 to 12 accompanied by adults. are welcome to the Warwick Center Ballroom on the UNCW campus from 5:30-8 pm. The annual event is staffed by more than 250 costumed volunteers. On Tuesday Oct 30 UNCW Randall Library and the Department of Film Studies will present the Fren... 10/19/2007

                                                                                       The Week in Reiview                                                                     ...your Wilmington ConnectionOctober 13, 2007 Some say the real estate market is standing still, stagnet maybe for some. I had a lovely home go under contract in just two and a half weeks and for full price. If you are contemplating, waiting for the best time, it is not a matter of when. It is a matter of getting you rhome priced right and listed with the right agent. Does your agent use the internet to market your home? and if so ask which websites will your home be exposed. Print marketing is so yesterday. Where do you think buyers start their internet search?UNCW business school professors predict continued grow... 10/13/2007

                                                                                      The Week in Review                                                                  ....your Wilmington ConnectionOctober 6, 2007Are you waiting on your home to sell? Would you like to relocate but can't. Why not be proactive! As always price dictates the sale of your home. Don't just be competative be aggressive. Drop your home to a price that you as a buyer would think, "I am going to snap that up before anyone else finds it." Whether you realize it or not while you are sitting on your home at what seems to be a reasonable, competative price you are paying your mortgage every month, taxes, insurance etc. Why let months turn into what possibly could have been a short time on the market. Roll this one ... 10/13/2007

by Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Real Estate Airlie Gardens is bustling this weekend with activities for art and Eco fans alike. Saturday GREEN DAY AT AIRLIE GARDENS a wonderful tribute event with FREE Admission honors the memory of one of Wilmington's treasures, legendary Artist Minnie Evans , Minnie whose work is on exhibit in NC museums and the prestigious Museum of American Folk Art among others once said that there were "600 and some shades of green" and her artwork reflects her love of the environment around her. Minnie was a talent extraordinaire time an inspiration and a visionary. Green day will feature local artists and craftspeople selling their wares made from locally produced and recycledproducts  Sara Westermark, Paradise Purses, Chuck Carmack Photography, Woggers baby linens.... 10/12/2007

Wilmington NC Ranked in the " Nation's Hottest Housing Markets" Here we go again! Wilmington NC has attained the record of #22 out of 287 cities in the rankings for house appreciation according to  Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight(OFHEO), for the second quarter. Wilmington has enjoyed a 9.12 % one year increase and 74.7 five year increase. In comparison, Charleston ranked #62 with 5.93% one year gain and 60.6 for five years.  The unique paradise that is my life long home has it all from the River to the Sea!The Cape Fear region's many miles of coastline, rivers and sounds offer a wide variety of fishing, watersports, and boating activities. Quite a few harbors, marinas and yacht clubs are within  minutes. With the mild climate, recreational opportunities abound in the area including... 10/10/2007

 There is excitement in the air as one of our area's most  popular events takes place this weekend!  Get ready for The 29thannual Riverfest Celebration!  Riverfest offers Fun for all ages!  Riverfest has supported the Cape Fear Community College Marine Technology Scholarship Program and has donated close to $100,000.00 in an effort to assist students in various study programs. More than 200,000 attendees yearly enjoy the festivities which bring awareness to the ecological importance of the Cape Fear River. The Riverfest was born of the vision of a group of Wilmingtonians, interested in drawing people to the historical downtown area decided to feature some artist, provide activities of interest to bring people to the downtown area in an effort to help revitalize business. Over the years ... 10/05/2007

It's been another beautiful week in Wilmington. Sunny and warm with our Carolina Blue Skies glowing. This weekend bustles with activity. Here are just a couple of things to do for Music Lovers. Enjoy!  Airlie Concert Series, The Kevin Kolb Trio performs outdoors on the lawn at beautiful Airlie Gardens this Friday Night. Tickets are $8 adults, $2 children, and free for Airlie members. Some parking is available on the grounds. Shuttle trolley runs from the Galleria parking lot on Wrightsville Ave.  For more information contact Airlie Gardensat 910.798.7700 Airlie Road Wilmington. Picnics, Coolers welcome. No pets Please  Jazz Nite at Scottish Rite, Connecticut based "The Brubeck Brothers Quartet" swings in the celebration of the 10th Anniversary Concert Jazz Nite" There an optional dinner... 10/05/2007

This weekend thousands are expected to descend on downtown Wilmington for the 29th annual Riverfest. Organizers are keen on keeping the Cape Fear River at the heart of this annual event and have scheduled dozens of ways for you and your family to enjoy the numerous events and activities being offered.The Riverfest kickoff show takes place at Battleship Park, next to the USS North Carolina directly across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington and is free. This event features local bands and bands from other areas.This is also the 3rd year the "Sometime in October Film Festival" will be part of the festivities as well as the extreme sports events such as skateboarding, wakeboarding and this year they have added motorcross to the lineup. If you're looking for something a little tame... 10/04/2007

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionSeptember 29, 2007 Greetings from Wilmington, Can you believe that fall is almost here? The weather was delightful this week, now is the time for those evenings in the hammock.I am sure you have heard that its a buyers market, which means sellers are having problems selling their homes, well we have had 2 homes go under contract within 3 weeks! If you are planning on selling your home or know of someone, let me share my marketing plan with you. or for more info click here.  Wilmington Vision 2020 plan receives award.At the International Downtown Association's 53rd annual conference in New York City held last week, the City of Wilmington was presented with the Merit Award in Planning for the implementation of the Wilmington Vision 2020 Plan... 10/01/2007

What  a beautiful week in the Wilmington NC area. Summer is definitely lingering here and the Carolina blue skies are glorious.  Home Buyers have been taking advantge of good mortgage rates and a great selection of well priced homes. Would you like to learn more about our Wilmington NC Real Estate market? Click here.Our area with all our homegrown talent is a music lovers delight and this weekend offers an eclectic mix of local artist to enjoy! have a toe tapping weekend! MAYFAIRE MUSIC ON THE TOWN, The popular free concert series is winding down tonight with the last event of the season. The Dave Mathews tribute band Two Step takes the stage tonight on the lawn behind Linen's & Things. Bring the kids the dogs, the picnic, the coolers and your dancing shoes! 6-9pm 1ST ANNUAL COLORS OF T... 09/28/2007

Most rave about the 3 wonderful Landfall Courses, Magnolia Greens, Eagle Pointe, Castle Bay, River Landing and Echo farms to name a few.....  Newcomers and locals should realize, most locals are aware,  our own City Municipal Golf Course happens to be a gem created by the legendary Donald Ross in 1926!  Ever heard of Pinehurst #2 where the US Open has been played many times?  Locals can play "The Muni" for $14.......Out of towners can Tee Up for $22.  cart fees are $12.  This blog is over as I just found fourteen bucks in my wallet...Call me if you would like to invest in Wilmington, NC Real Estate!   09/27/2007

The Week in Review....your Wilmington ConnectionSeptember 14, 2007A great week in Wilmington with plenty of sunshine and some much needed rain. Here is a snapshot of the Wilmington real estate market this week. Are you ready to start looking for your dream home at a reasonable price?  Mortgage applications are up.Home Buying is still happening, and why not, Home prices have dropped take advantage while you can. Sept. 14, 2007-(MarketWatch)-Volumes of mortgage applications filed last week were up a seasonally adjusted 5.5% as interest rates on loans to buy homes decreased, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported on Wednesday.Applications in the week ended Sept. 7 were up 0.1% compared with the same week a year ago, the Washington-based MBA's latest survey showed.Applications for loans ... 09/21/2007

The Week in Review....your Wilmington connection September 8, 2007This is coming to you later than usual, today was the first day of coaching soccer for my daughters team. Have a peak at the little people. Then my infamous two hour tour of Wilmington to ensure my clients from Ohio had the perfect taste of Wilmington. If you are planning on relocating to Wilmington email me for a relocation package or let me know when you will be in town and I will ensure that you will never want to leave. (smile).Downtown projects prosper.The mixed use building on Walnut street is 80% sold out with 38 residential units and one commercial unit, which will be occupied by dentis. Residential prices range from $375,000 to $800,000 for the 2,000 sqare foot penthouse units. Wilmington has been very fortunate.... 09/21/2007