Green Energy Audit of your Home | Wilmington NC real estate

Discover Your Home’s Green Factor… And Improve It

Before you jump on the green bandwagon, take time to have an energy audit performed on your Wilmington NC home. An energy audit outlines the energy use and leakage (or waste) in a home by measuring various systems and components. Local utility companies often offer free or discounted energy audits to customers, or you can hire a home energy professional — call us for a referral. If you are thinking of selling your home, audits provide valuable energy-efficiency information to attract prospective buyers. Here is what to expect with an energy audit.

Prepare

• Before the energy audit takes place, make note of all energy issues and concerns you have with your home, listing drafty window/door locations or fireplace flues, condensation problems, multi-pane window seal breaches, etc. (This also is a great to-do list before you put your home on the market.)
• Collect utility bills from the entire previous year or two for review. (This info is also valuable to potential buyers of your home; make it available if you list your home for sale. Be sure to include usage units, as well as dollar costs.)
• Think about your lifestyle — how high or low the thermostat is kept in various seasons; how many people, if any, are home during the day; how different parts of the home are used — or not used; etc.

Perform

• Physical features of the home, including wall area and number and size of windows, will be analyzed by the auditor.
• Equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras may be used to determine energy leakage.
• If possible, accompany the auditor during this analysis.
• Usually, only major problem areas are discovered during this analysis, but starting at this point will allow you to prioritize what tasks should be addressed.

Process

The final energy audit report provides you with valuable information about your home. It assists you in understanding:

• Your home’s energy-related shortcomings.
• What effective energy-saving improvements can remediate the problems.
• The costs involved.

Remember, there are always numerous possible improvements that can be made to your home to increase its energy efficiency and, most importantly, lower your utility bills. Some of these improvements will be more costly than others; some will offer a faster return on investment. Energy audits help you prioritize making improvements to your home, as well as creating a list of areas to address in order to market your home as a “green” home when it comes time to sell.

Selling For Top Dollar Is Proof-Positive When you’re thinking of selling your home — now or in the future — an audit is a useful tool to boost the value of your home in buyers’ eyes. This is especially true if the final report shows that the home is already energy-efficient or that you have made significant upgrades to increase its energy efficiency.

 

February Was A Great Month For Wilmington NC Real Estate

Wilmington NC Real Estate February Statistic Look Good!

The number’s are in and are looking good for Wilmington NC real estate.

To search all Wilmington NC real estate, we invite you to visit http://www.cbbaker.com.  Visit the Buyer and Seller sections to answer questions you may have.

For a free relocation package, email bakerwayneassociates@ec.rr.com

“Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course – the distance between your ears.” ~Bobby Jones

http://wilmingtonncgolfhomes.com/

With our mild climate, you will truly enjoy year round golfing at the many golf courses throughout the Cape Fear Region . Whatever your handicap, there are more than twenty courses in and around Wilmington that are a pleasure to walk. Some of the courses were designed by some of golf’s greatest names including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Fred Couples and P.B. Dye,  among others. Some of the Wilmington courses are listed on our website. .

http://wilmingtonncgolfhomes.com/

If you are on the golf course and you see a home that is for sale that interests you, go to mobile.cbbaker.com and look it up by street, subdivison or map. Enjoy….

Get Your Party Hat Ready | 66th Annual Azalea Festival Wilmington NC

You are invited to join us for the 66th Annual Azalea Festival in Wilmington NC on April 10 – 14, 2013.  The weekend is packed with entertainment for all.

The Mission: “The mission of the North Carolina Azalea Festival is to be nationally recognized as a showcase for our community’s rich array of artwork, gardens, history and culture through recreational, educational and family-oriented events. The Festival encourages volunteerism and civic participation as it contributes to the region’s economy and promotes the unique qualities of Wilmington’s river-to-the-sea community.”

The 2013 official artwork is by Elizabeth Singletary.

Here is a sampling of upcoming events leading up to the event.

• 

• Azalea 5K/10K/Fun Walk

  APR 62013
  The Azalea Festival 5K/10K & 1 mile-Fun Walk is an annual event hosted by the Cape Fear Volunteer Center. All proceeds from this event benefit the Cape Fear Volunteer Center …
• 

  Queen’s Coronation

  APR 10 2013

  The Queen’s Coronation is an annual event where the Queen is officially crowned the North Carolina Azalea Festival Queen Azalea. In attendance are all the Festival Celebrities Guests as well …
• 

  Circus

  11-14 APR  2013

  Covering more than an acre of ground, the Cole Bros. Circus Big Top is a favorite event of the Festival. Its combination of costumed characters, acrobatics, clowns, and more draws …
• 

  Lynyrd Skynyrd

  APR 11  2013

  Presented By Lynyrd Skynyrd Once in a while a musical force will burst on the scene and forever change that scene. Lynyrd Skynyrd was one of the most commercially successful …
• 

  Avett Brothers

  APR 12 2013

  The Avett Brothers By the time Scott and Seth Avett formed the Avett Brothers with bassist Bob Crawford — their honorary “third brother,” — the alchemy had begun: A fresh …
• 

  Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour

  Tagged:  Event, Tours

  12-14 APR  2013

  The Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour is sponsored by the Cape Fear Garden Club, Inc., the tour has been featured in SOUTHERN LIVING and is one of the …
• 

  Juried Art Show

  12-14APR  2013

  Over 100 North Carolina artists and national artists present fine paintings at the Annual Juried Spring Art Show and Sale. To be a vendor at the Juried Art Show, you …
• 

  Street Fair

  12-14 APR 2013

  The North Carolina Azalea Festival Street Fair is a free, family event with over 200 arts and craft vendors, 40 food vendors, 4 stages, a children’s area and a whole …
• 

  Visiting Ships

  12-14 APR  2013

  Each year we have different visiting ships join us in celebrating the North Carolina Azalea Festival. As you enjoy the beauty of downtown Wilmington, take time to notice these visiting …
• 

  Boxing

  13-14  APR 2013

  The NC Azalea Festival Boxing Tournament showcases some of the finest boxers from the National & International level of competition & from the military branches compete in this event. NC …
• 

  Coin Show

  13-14 APR 2013

  A fun filled family event. Children are given free foreign coins to learn about currency and foreign countries. More than 30 dealers from several surrounding states will be on hand …
• 

  Colt Ford and The LACS

  13 APR  2013

  The hick hop and southern rock sound of the LACS will kick off Saturday night festivities. The LACS will open for the walking, talking celebration of country music and country …
• 

  Historic Home Tour

  13-14 APR 2013

  The NC Azalea Festival Home Tour is an annual event held by the Historic Wilmington Foundation.  All proceeds from the Home Tour will advance the Historic Wilmington Foundation’s efforts to …
• 

  Parade

  APR 13 2013

  Presented By The NC Azalea Festival Parade is an annual event that is viewed by over 100,000 people. Join us for next years’ Parade and enjoy the floats, marching units and …
• 

  Street Fair Children’s Area

  13-14 APR 2013

  Presented By The Children’s Area of the Street Fair has all the entertainment and fun for the little ones!  Bouncy inflatables, games, and a stage with children’s dance troupes and …
• 

  Street Fair Multicultural Stage

  13-14 APR 2013

  Join us at the 2013 NC Azalea Festival Multicultural Stage for a two-day celebration that will showcase some of the best ethnic performers dressed in authentic traditional costumes. They will …
• 

  Main Stage

  14 APR 2013
  Come close out the 2013 North Carolina Azalea Festival with a full day of live beach music! Sunday’s Main Stage Band Schedule: 1:00 PM – The Mark Roberts Band 2:30 …To view complete schedule and more please visit  http://www.ncazaleafestival.org

  If you do come to visit and you see a home in the Historic District or anywhere in Wilmington that interests you, please visit our mobile site and put in the name of street, etc and you can pull up the listing on your phone.  mobile.cbbaker.com  Click QR code to store in your phone if you like.  Our website is http://www.cbbaker.com

  

  We love Wilmington NC and it’s people, we hope you do too.

Homebuyer Wish List Let Us Help You Stay Focused | Wilmington NC real estate

What type of home are you looking for? There are so many choices that it is important to have an idea of what you want and need before you begin looking. Consider making a checklist of amenities that are essential and those you would like to have in your new home.

The list below may help you clarify your thinking on what is important to you when you are ready to purchase.

* What neighborhood(s) would you like to live in?

* What price range do you have in mind?

* What type of home interests you? (one-story, two-story, split-entry, townhouse, condo, duplex)

* What style appeals to you? (contemporary, traditional, no preference)

* Are schools a factor?

* Do you need to be close to public transportation?

* How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?  How many do you want?

* What other interior features are important to you? (separate family room, formal dining room, home office, etc.)

* What about exterior features? Have you considered a garage, yard size, patio/deck, hot tub, view, or waterfront?

* Are there any special features you are looking for in a home?

When you are ready to start your search, we will be happy to help you find a home that suits your lifestyle. Our goal is to make this a fun and enjoyable experience.

Please feel free to call or email us when you are ready to start looking. We welcome the opportunity to help you.  Here is a homebuyer guide to keep you focused in your search.
http://www.cbbaker.com/pages.php?page=156

Baker Wayne And Associates
910-202-3607
1001 Military Cutoff
Wilmington, North Carolina 28405

bakerwayneassociates@ec.rr.com

www.cbbaker.com

Location. Location. Location | Wilmington NC real estate

What do Wilmington NC real estate  agents mean when they say the  three most important factors in  selecting a house are  ”location, location, location”?

 

The house is wonderful! But before you buy, carefully check the location to be sure this is the house you want to buy.

• Consider destinations

Where will family members go most often from this new location? How easy is it to reach those places from here? How accessible are schools, churches, grocery stores, medical care, public transportation, shopping malls, and neighborhood services?

• Be sure rooms have a view

What is the view from the house and yard? Is the yard right for your anticipated activities? What uses are possible for nearby undeveloped land? Is a new road planned?

• Check around the clock

Is rush hour traffic a problem? What will be the impact of special events like local high school games or church picnics?

• Crash test the driveway

How easy is it to get into and out of the driveway?

• Be service conscious

What utilities serve this property? Are the rates competitive? Do you want an all-electric house, or do you want gas or oil heat? Where will you get your mail? Where are the easements?

• Dig below the surface

Is the soil stable? Is part of the property on a flood plain — if so, what is the history of floods on the property?

• Visit the neighbors

How will you fit in with the neighbors? Do people seem to be friendly? Are houses well-maintained?

• Read the fine print

If the community has special by-laws or architectural controls over changes to a house, what are the pros and cons?

Make a list of the positive and negative aspects of each property as you tour it. Assign priorities to important elements of the house’s location.

Do you have home questions about a specific location? We can help. Call or e-mail us now,  910-202-3607 or bakerwayneassociates@ec.rr.com

Here is our Coldwell Banker Homebuyer guide to help you.

http://www.cbbaker.com/pages.php?page=156

 

www.cbbaker.com for all your Wilmington NC real estate needs.

 

 

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I Have A Dream | Martin Luther King Parade Downtown Wilmington NC 2013

This year the Martin Luther King parade will be held in downtown Wilmington NC. Previous years the parade route was on Castle Street. Over the years the parade and festivities have grown and the new venue should allow more visitors.
The MLK Parade Monday – January 21, 2013 Parade Begins 12:00 NOON Historic Downtown Wilmington Parade starting point: Front St. & Hanover St.

Free Flue Shots will be given along the parade route.

Enjoy….

http://www.cbbaker.com

 

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What to do if your home isn’t selling | Tips and Techniques | Wilmington NC real estate

Whether you’re in a bone-dry market or a sizzling selling season, if you haven’t received any offers on your home you’re probably facing the question of what to do.  A house that goes too long without selling begins to appear “stale” and can actually damage your future chances of a sale.

How long is too long? It’s not an exact science, but there are some helpful indicators. In a dry market, a sales period of six months to one year isn’t unusual. Look at recent sales reports of similar homes nearby to determine a reasonable selling interval. In a hot seller’s market, a house that hasn’t sold within one month indicates a problem. In either case, there are several steps you can take before putting up the white flag.

Tips to improve your selling karma

• Videotape your house, inside and out, and watch the tape as if you were a prospective buyer. Is the lawn weedy or the garden bare? Is your home uncluttered and spotlessly scrubbed? Sparkling-clean houses sell faster than those that look too lived-in or show an abundance of the owner’s personality.
• Take a second look at your listing price. Visit open houses in your neighborhood. Are similar homes priced lower? Selling prices may have dropped since your first comparative market analysis. If you haven’t sold your home within one month, chances are good that you’ve overpriced it. If you do lower your asking price, consider a figure slightly below those of other comparable homes if you are interested in a speedy sale. Do whatever it takes to be away from your home during showings and open houses. The presence of sellers makes it difficult for prospective buyers to take their time or talk openly with their partner and agent. Leave some treats out to make potential buyers more comfortable: beverages, nuts, cookies — anything that won’t lose freshness or be too messy. For more seller tips, please visit http://www.cbbaker.com.
• Pay close attention to feedback from showings. The feedback can guide you in making home repairs, toning down your décor, making landscaping improvements and the like.
  • You can offer perks to buyers, such as a cash bonus, closing costs or buy down the interest rate to lower monthly payments. You could also consider creative owner financing.
  • Neutralize your color scheme. Most buyers prefer pale, neutral colors that make it easier to imagine a new home as their own. Houses with white exteriors are the highest sellers; for interiors, try whites, off-whites or pale grays.

  Expose hardwood floors and buff them until they shine. It’s amazing how many buyers will not even look at a house without hardwood floors.

  If you have dogs, cats, old carpeting, mildew or smoke problems chances areThat a potential buyer may be offended by the odor. Ventilate the home and invest in an air-cleaning and deodorizing product to remove odors. Another option is a cleaning product with living enzymes that consume the odor causing agents and remove the smell permanently.

  • Staging your home is one of the very best ways to sell your home the quickest and for top dollar. Staging sets the scene throughout the home to create immediate buyer interest in the property. The way you live in your home and the way you sell your house are two different things. One idea is to pack up several large pieces of furniture and as much clutter in each room as possible. Don’t just shift to another room or garage- rent a storage space and get it out of the house before showing.

  Pay attention to lighting. Make sure light sources are clean. Cleaning them isn’t enjoyable, but the sparkling lighting will pay off. You may even increase the brightness factor of your rooms by adding brighter bulbs, or by placing accent lamps or cabinet lighting. Be sure and pull back the curtains and lift the blinds. For the best effect , use a balance of natural, overhead, and table or floor lighting.

   

  • Try readjusting your sights. Determine the lowest price you find acceptable, and consider anything more as icing on the cake. In a longstanding dry market you may even have to sell at a loss, so it’s important to take every offer seriously. You don’t want to alienate a potential buyer who has solid financing because you’ve set your sights unrealistically high.
  • If the market is underwater, consider offering an increased commission or a bonus for your listing agent as extra incentive. If you do sweeten the pot for your agent, amend your listing contract to reflect the change, and be sure it’s added to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) — buyer agents will also be inspired to give your house extra attention.

   

   

   

   

Hire a Buyer’s Agent For Free | How A Buyer Agent Can Benefit You in Wilmington, NC

If you are considering taking advantage of the current “Buyers Market” you may also want to consider the numerous advantages of having your own representation through a Buyers Agent. Our wonderful team of professional, experienced agents will work exclusively for you in the following areas.

• *Meet with you personally and at your convenience to determine your specific goals and needs
• *Explain the importance of establishing a working agency relationship so your interests are protected form the beginning.
• *Assist you in finding the right lender who will pre-approve you before you begin your property search thereby increasing you negotiating power.
• *Establish a custom property search directed towards your specific criteria to define only those homes which interest you.
• *Schedule appointments for private viewings of the homes you’ve selected.
• *Review and explain in detail the offer to purchase and strategize the best approach to get your offer accepted.
• *Continuous dialogue with lender to insure loan process is proceeding smoothly and has been submitted for final approval.
• *Request survey if required or requested.
• *Assist you in locating a Homeowner’s Insurance provider and insure the information has been delivered to the lender and closing attorney.
• *Follow up with lender on final loan approval and schedule final inspection of repairs completed by the seller.
• *Recommend qualified attorney for closing and coordinate loan package delivery from lender to attorney.
• *Personally meet with you to review closing statement/HUD to verify final closing figures and make any necessary corrections prior to closing.
• *Assist you in establishing utilities in your name.
• *Attend closing with you and notify you when the property has been recorded so that you may be given the keys to your new home.
• *Be available to you after closing should you have any additional questions about the home you purchased. Please feel free to give us a call if you would like to meet with one of our experienced, professional agents to get you started in your home search.

For all Wilmington NC real estate needs please visit www.cbbaker.com

Brilliant Colors at Wrightsville Beach NC | 4th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival

Do not miss the 4th Annual Cape Fear Kite Festival this weekend.  A brilliant show of color in the sky at beautiful Wrightsville Beach NC.  The event is held in on the beach at Shell Island Resort. For more information, please visit http://www.capefearkitefestival.com/default.asp
If you see any real estate that you are interested, you can look up on your phone at mobile.cbbaker.com.  Enjoy!