Landfall Realty Blog » sales

North Carolina Moves Past Florida

admin — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:02:20 +0000

A few years ago, united Van Lines determined that, from its customer base, North Carolina was the top in-migration state in the US. Landfall NC residents should find it interesting that the US Census Bureau in its recent American Community Survey reported that between 2003 and 2008, about 42,000 people migrated from Florida to North Carolina. While those moving into and out of Florida are now about equal in number, there are far more people making NC their new residence than are moving from the state. This interesting fact is just one of the reasons that property sales in Landfall doubled from 2009 to 2010 as the buying public recognized the value of a mature and financially sound development.

Landfall Realty Welcomes Karen Thompson

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:43:31 +0000

Karen Thompson

We are very pleased to announce the addition of Karen Thompson to the Landfall Realty sales team.

In 1991 Karen moved to Wilmington where she had enjoyed many happy vacations during her younger years. After meeting and marrying her husband, the two found that the perfect place to raise a family was in Landfall and she (as well as all of our agents) can tell you all about our community from her personal experience. Karen and her family enjoy all the activities and events that Landfall presents every year and finds that the safety of Landfall’s neighborhoods for the many children here is one the biggest benefits.

Karen is very active in community work in Wilmington and volunteers with her children’s schools, teaches Sunday school, and serves on the Board of Friends of UNCW.

Karen comes to Landfall Realty with a wealth of experience in many areas of real estate including new home sales. Another area of specialization for Karen is in relocations which will be a huge asset to those of our clients who come here from outside of the Coastal Carolina area.

We look forward to having Karen incorporate her knowledge and expertise into our office and invite you to stop by and meet our newest agent the next time you’re in the Wilmington, NC area.

New Fairhaven Listing Labeled a “Landfall Best Value”

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:36:55 +0000

1445 South Moorings Drive

Beautiful, brick villa located in the Fairhaven community of Landfall now available. With over $80,000 in upgrades, this courtyard home has all you could want and then some…mahogany built-in cabinets & coffered ceiling, stacked stone fireplace, natural gas heating, Wolf gas cooktop, floored walk-in attic space, and speakers throughout. Located on the Nicklaus golf course, the exterior features fenced-in back yard, Koi pond, waterfalls, courtyard entrance with fountain, and outdoor gas grill. Three or four bedrooms, 3.5 baths of luxury and ready to live in. For more information on this home click on the photo above or contact Landfall Realty at 800-227-8208.

Forum Postcript, Part 3

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:25:06 +0000

Continuing my summary recap of Landfall Realty’s recent Real Estate Forum held at Landfall Country Club, I called attention to some of the points made by Bob Seelert in his book “Start With the Answer.” Loosely stated, some of those points are:

1) Get the truth on the table, don’t pretend.

2) Establish standards and expectations based on a new reality.

3) Think long term; act short term.

4) Communicate with members of your own team.

5) Listen to and learn from your customers and peers.

These points are, I believe, valuable in running any business. However, they have particular validity in establishing a relationship between a real estate agent and a real estate customer. In my next blog, I will expand upon these point in the context of selling and buying property in Landfall, NC.

Kenneth M. Kirkman, general manager, Landfall Realty

Homebuyer Tax Credit EXPANDED!

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:50:28 +0000

We at Landfall Realty are excited about the creation of the Homebuyer Tax Credit enacted into law earlier this month. The fact that the bill has been expanded to include other than first home purchasers is a huge bonus and may present a real opportunity for qualified purchasers! Now, existing homeowners are eligible for a $6,500 tax CREDIT upon purchase of a qualifying home if they have occupied their current home for 5 of the previous 8 years, and if their combined income is less than $225,000. This credit is available in the year of closing (2009 or 2010). The qualifying purchase contract must be executed prior to April 30, 2010, and go to closing prior to July 1, 2010. The maximum purchase price for the new home purchased is $800,000 with no exceptions. For more information and a summary chart of the new tax credit (and the extented first home buyer credit as well) please contact Landfall Realty at 910-256-6111. Remember, a tax credit is far more valuable than a deduction, as it offsets tax dollars owed on a dollar for dollar basis.

Forum Postscript, Part 2

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:12:21 +0000

Another of the topics touched upon in the recent Landfall Real Estate Forum was national trends in the 55 years of age and older population. A few of those trends, as reported in various builder and real estate studies, include the following:

There is a strong preference for single family, detached homes.
Most buyers want single floor construction, and almost all want master bedroom and living space on the lower level, even if the home is multi-story.
About 75% like the open floor plan home, where the kitchen and primary family room are free flowing.
Technology is important. Fiber to the home is great; multiple phone and computer connections are desired.
Far fewer prospects than during the boom are willing to pay extra for “green” features that have environmental benefits, but efficiency that saves money (such as energy savings) are still sought.
More pre-retirees are considering staying put, rather than relocating when retirement comes.

Fortunately, more potential customers in Landfall’s prime market region, the northeast, are likely to relocate than those in warmer climates, and there is some pent up demand since the slow down in the national real estate market has drug on for a couple of years now.

As a seller, be cognizant of how your home stacks up with the desires of the majority of the market. The closer to the ideal, the more marketable the home.

Kenneth M. Kirkman, General Manager, Landfall Realty

Landfall Homesite Interest on the Rise

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:58:24 +0000

As sales traffic improves, the brokers at Landfall Realty have noticed a bit of a shift in what prospects are interested in viewing. Until recently, there had been minimal movement during the past year in Landfall’s homesite inventory, but it appears interest in homesites is increasing. While only 10 Landfall homesites have closed year-to-date , in recent weeks three more homesites have gone under contract, and two of Landfall Realty’s agents are negotiating what may well be additional homesite sales. Landfall homesite prices currently range from $156,800 to $2,498,000 with attributes ranging from quaint, interior, wooded sites to lush, expansive golf frontage to massive waterfront properties…something for everyone! We at Landfall Realty believe this renewed interest in homesites is based in part on the fact that there has been some reduction in the price of such sites, which, combined with decreased prices charged by home builders, has made building price competitive with the purchase of an existing home. Please visit our website for more details. www.landfallrealty.com

Custom Building Becomes Plan A

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:42:07 +0000

A Raleigh prospect recently visited Landfall wanting to make Wilmington, NC his home. Landfall Realty Broker, Martie Davy, showed her client many waterfront homes within the community before determining none offered the possibilities of building a custom home on an absolutely spectatular .88 acre homesite listed for sale by Landfall Realty. Located on the Pete Dye Course, this lot overlooks Pete Dye Lake and has views of 4 golf holes – #18, #17, #2 and #1. Our new Landfall real estate owner plans to begin building right away, will soon join Country Club of Landfall and now calls Landfall, Wilmington’s premier community, “Home”.

Foreclosure Rumors

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:52:21 +0000

We at Landfall Realty have received numerous calls regarding the “”32 foreclosed properties” in Landfall. We have carefully checked the public records, and have found only about half a dozen recent foreclosure proceedings involving Landfall real estate, a very small number considering the 2000 or so properties within Landfall NC. As always, rumors seem to appear from nowhere, and can be taken over time as fact. Landfall Realty tries to stay on top of our market condtions, and we are happy to discuss any rumor you hear. Give us a call.