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Raleigh is the capital of the state of North Carolina and the seat of Wake County in the United States. Raleigh is known as the “City of Oaks” for its many oak trees, which line the streets in the heart of the city. The city covers a land area of 147.6 square miles (382 km2). The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city’s population as 474,069 as of July 1, 2019. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country

Here are 15 things you should expect to love about your move to Raleigh!

1. Community – A Great Reason to Move to Raleigh

One of the best parts about Raleigh is that it’s a city with a small-town feel. Raleigh is a city where people know your face and that’s all they need to know. It’s often you will run into someone you met, recognize their face and embrace in a warm greeting without even knowing one another’s names. There is a feeling of comfortability and familiarity in Raleigh that comes from that small-town feel. You may not recognize it at first, give it six months though and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

The population in Raleigh, NC has seen an increase from 290,000 people in the year 2000 to nearly 500,000 folks here in 2019. This growth in population makes Raleigh one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

Relocating to Raleigh NC, Great City to Move to!

If you’re anything like me you enjoy the opportunity to meet new people while running into the ones you met previously. Raleigh is a city, and it’s a small town, at the same time. It’s large enough so that you’re always meeting new people and small enough so that you’re constantly running into the ones you know!

Part of what makes the community so great in Raleigh are the people who call the city home. Living in Raleigh you will encounter some of the nicest, most welcoming people in the world. The happiness of the people who live in Raleigh is a product of everything Raleigh has to offer including the number one place for jobs, awesome weather, and affordability, unlike most other cities. Apex, NC, a suburb of Raleigh, was most recently ranked as the #1 Best Place to Live in the United States by Money Magazine.

If you’re moving to Raleigh from the northern states (NY, MA, CT, NJ are popular states to move from) you’re sure to notice right away just how welcoming the people in Raleigh are. After I made the move from Boston I realized right away that the personality of the city is contagious. You’ll find yourself a happier person because you’re surrounded by people who are happy. If you have a dog, there are dog parks everywhere in Raleigh!

2. Raleigh is the Best Place for Jobs.
Number of Job Openings: 24,146
Population: 1,242,974
Median Base Salary: $50,950
Median Home Value: $198,400

If you’re moving to Raleigh you will have a much easier time finding a job than you will anywhere else. Glassdoor ranked the city of Raleigh, NC as the #1 Best City for Jobs in 2015!

The Raleigh airport, also known as Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) has seen some major renovations in recent years as well as new airlines bringing new flight paths in and out of the Raleigh area.

With more than 24,000 job openings there is sure to be one for you, and the median base salary to median home value is some of the best in the country! Additionally, Raleigh has a job satisfaction rating of 3.3 Raleigh, NC is on the top end when it comes to being happy in the work-place.

The Research Triangle Park (RTP) is a huge part of what makes Raleigh such a great place for jobs. A lot of executives will move to Raleigh to begin working in RTP with so many larger businesses that have their office headquarters there. Outside of RTP, you will find companies like MetLife who just moved to Cary, NC and set up their technology office with six-figure salaries. Go to Downtown Raleigh and you will see other companies like RedHat and Citrix who have set their headquarters there.

So far Apex has been ranked the best place to live and Raleigh is ranked the best city for jobs. So what else will you love about moving to Raleigh?

3. The Food in Raleigh is Top-Notch

With over 1,200 Restaurants in the Raleigh area, you will always find something new to try. What separates Raleigh from a lot of the restaurants from other places around the world is the service, it’s more than just fine dining, it’s an experience you’ll have to try for yourself! Searching for food outside of Downtown Raleigh?

4. Affordability of Homes for Sale in Raleigh

In Raleigh, the homes for sale are some of the most affordable in the nation. Whether you’re searching for a house in Downtown Raleigh, North Raleigh, or in a suburb of Raleigh you’ll find the homes are priced fairly for the quality of life and economy. Raleigh Real Estate offers great value.

One of the biggest reasons people move to the Raleigh area is thanks to how affordable the city is. It’s the only major technology city with home prices under the national average. If you are in the tech industry your cost of living in Raleigh will be significantly less than it will be in other major tech cities like San Francisco, California or even Austin, Texas. People often compare Austin’s growth similarities to the growth Raleigh is currently experiencing. It’s a great time to be living in Raleigh!

Whether you’re shopping for homes in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs or in north Raleigh you’ll have easy access to the city, at an affordable price. A lot of Cary is people who have moved from the northeast. Those people who moved to Raleigh from New York and New England sure are happy about the weather.

5. Weather in Raleigh is a Reason to Move!

The weather in Raleigh, in my opinion, is perfect and a great reason to relocate. We celebrate all four seasons (yes, it snows here!) and we are only a couple hours from the Mountains if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Here is a great image to give you an idea of what to expect from month to month weather trends for Raleigh.

6. Education in Raleigh is Some of Best in Nation

Raleigh is ranked as the second most educated city in America by Forbes, and it’s neighbor Durham is third. With universities like North Carolina State University, Meredith College, Peace University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina all within a short distance of Raleigh, it only makes sense that the area places a high priority on the quality of education.

GreatSchools.Org is a great resource if you want to look up the ratings of schools in the Raleigh area. In 2010 GreatSchools ranked Raleigh as the #1 City for schools in the United States. The accolades continue to pile up for Raleigh!

7. Art in Raleigh

The North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the main attractions for Art lovers in Raleigh, NC. It’s history dates back to when the North Carolina General Assembly used $1 million dollars in 1947 to become the first state in the nation to use public funds to buy art. You can search through the variety of collections on the NCMA website, though nothing you’ll see online will do justice in comparison to an in-person visit to the North Carolina Museum of Art!

For those with a great appreciation of art, it’s just one more reason to relocate to Raleigh!

8. Raleigh NC is THE Spot for Live Music!

If you love music, Raleigh is a great place to relocate. There are several live concerts a week going on in Raleigh whether your band is playing at the RedHat or Walnut Creek Amphitheater.

Live Music in Raleigh NC a Great Reason to Relocate if you love concernts!

For the not so often days and nights when there isn’t a concert, there is always live music somewhere in Raleigh.

 9. Nightlife in Raleigh

If you’re planning on relocating to the Raleigh area, you are sure to find some great night time entertainment. Raleigh has put a focus on its entertainment, especially in the past decade where they have revamped Fayetteville District, Moore Square, Glenwood South and other areas around the city’s core.

10. Sports in Raleigh

The Carolina Hurricanes are the only professional sports team in Raleigh. NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Duke have some awesome fan bases and tailgating.

College sports are big in Raleigh, particularly college basketball. Anyone who follows college sports knows about the tobacco road rivalry between The Duke Blue Devils and The University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Two of the top college basketball teams year in and year out both located just minutes from the city of Raleigh. If you love college sports it’s a great reason to relocate to the Raleigh area.

Additionally, there are top Triple-A baseball teams like the Durham Bulls and the Holly Springs Salamanders. If you enjoy going to the ball game, you’ll fall in love with the local baseball teams.

11. Beach

How far is Raleigh NC from the beach? A short two-hour drive and your feet are in the sand.

Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and The Outer Banks are some of the favorite spots of local Raleighites to visit when the weather is nice. It makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway for those beach lovers looking for an additional reason to relocate.

Not only are you two hours from the beach in Raleigh, you’re two hours from some great mountains if you enjoy skiing and snowboarding!

12. Mountains

Skiing and Snowboarding is something you will find a short couple of hours from the city of Raleigh. Sugar, Ski Beech, Winterplace, and Snowshoe are all great mountains to go hit the slopes!

13. Golf

If you love golf, you’re going to love Raleigh, NC! A short hour drive south is Pinehurst, North Carolina a city known as the “Home of Golf in the U.S.” The North Carolina Golf Panel ranks the top 100 courses found in NC and the Pinehurst area has three of the top five golf courses on the list.

It’s hard to go for a 10-minute drive in Pinehurst without passing at least one golf course. The density of golf courses in the area is the reason for the nickname “The Sandhills.”

The number of golf course communities in the Raleigh area is huge. It’s not hard to understand why the people in Raleigh love their golf with courses like Lonnie Poole to the right. Golf is a large part of North Carolina’s history and the year round nice weather keeps the courses open longer.

People travel from all over the world to visit the golf courses in the Raleigh and Pinehurst area. Golf is a great reason to relocate to the Raleigh area, you’ll always have an opportunity to play no matter the season!

14. Living in Raleigh, NC

If you’re thinking of moving to the Raleigh, NC area, brace yourself. You are going to really enjoy living in Raleigh!

15. What are the pros and cons of moving to North Carolina?.

There are both pros and cons to moving to Raleigh. For each individual situation, the pros and cons are going to be a bit different which makes it important to evaluate such a big decision and writing everything down. Some of the pros of moving to Raleigh can be found in this article and for most people, those will be the reasons they make the move.

The pros to living in Raleigh if someone is moving from a city like Chicago are obvious. The weather, the affordability, a lot less traffic and a great economic opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses. A lot of folks are making the move from cities like Chicago, New York, Boston, even California thanks to the affordability of Raleigh.

The cons to moving to Raleigh are likely obvious to you as well. Some of the common cons would be leaving family, friends and memories behind. After moving to Raleigh five years ago those are the biggest cons I experienced, personally. Other than that, there isn’t much I miss about moving from Boston (except maybe the Boston sports teams). Raleigh is a great place and the pros outweighed the cons for me!

I have experience working with real estate investors in Wilmington and surrounding areas (I am a real estate investor myself) and I will be able to choose the best option for your needs. If you don’t want to search and communicate with your future tenants yourself, I can recommend a property manager to you who will deal with all issues related to the renting your house. Some of my clients do not even live in the area, they just buy and hold properties receiving the automatic payments from their tenants to their bank account.

And the best part is that it would not cost you a penny to work with me, my commissions come directly from the sellers’ side.

Information for consideration:

A large number of citizens of the former Soviet Union with substantial capital on their hands do not know how or do not have the opportunity to invest it. Investment in real estate, at all times, was considered the most reliable way to increase and preserve capital. I am a Certified Financial Adviser myself and, like no others, I see rise and fall of the financial market that poses a constant risk for the financial losses. The cost of a real estate as a whole, depending on the region of course, constantly goes up (in a coastal market where I work with real estate, the average home appreciation varies between 3% and 9% annually)

Investing in real estate, in my view, is the most reliable and profitable way to accumulate capital, additionally creating a stable cash flow. Have you ever wondered why there are so many millionaires in “Forbes” rankings involve in this type of activity? For example, one of the richest people in the world began with real estate investing. At age 14, he acquired 40 acres of land, which he leased to farmers. The name of this man is Warren Buffet.

Do you want to create a passive income without a huge effort on your part? Then investing in real estate might help you to achieve this goal; a rental income is pretty much predictable. Financial experts consider capital investment in foreign real estate as one of the profitable and reliable businesses.

Every person tries to find the most profitable and less risky investment. How and where to invest to beat inflation? How to make capital to work, bringing attractive dividends? The answer is simple – you need to invest in a long-term most promising investment tools. One of these tools is a real estate.

Why you should buy a property in Wilmington, North Carolina

The housing market of the state of North Carolina in 2018 was marked by the second growth rate of investment property in the country. It means that now is the best time to pay attention to the real estate in Wilmington and surrounding areas. The city center is full of cultural events and restaurants, many educational institutions with a good reputation and around many stunning beaches.

Below is a brief overview of the real estate market in 2018.

According to “Trulia”, the cost of selling residential property in Carolina Beach has increased by an average of 3% to 9% over the last year (2018). The average price per square foot in the same period increased from $241 to $250. In 2018, the highest demand was for houses with 4 bedrooms, the cost of which today is an average of $450,000 and shows an increase of 6% over the past 5 years. The rental price is seasonal in nature and ranges from an average of $1,750 to $2,800 per month for a 4-bedroom house.

Below are some data that show the investment attractiveness of certain Wilmington areas in 2018, according to “Mashvisor” statistics:

Silver Lake, Wilmington, NC:

Median investment property price: $289,900

• Avg./Sq.Ft.: $155
• Cash on cash return: 2.04% – 8%
• Rental income $1,403
• Average Airbnb occupancy rate: 37%
• Home appreciation: 9.2%

Hampstead, Wilmington, NC:

• Median investment property price: $339,000
• Avg./Sq.Ft.: $454
• Cash on cash return: 2.25% – 5%
• Rental income: $1,523
• Average Airbnb occupancy rate: 65%
• Home appreciation: 4%

What should I look for when buying investment property in Wilmington?

• Cost of utilities
• Taxes
• Repair and service
• Insurance
• Cost of property management services

You also need to calculate a depreciation fund of your property, as there might be unexpected expenses when renting a house. If you want to know more about investment property in the Wilmington region, please contact me. I would be happy to answer any questions and find the best investing options for you.

Hampstead is a community in Pender County, North Carolina, located between Wilmington and Jacksonville on Route 17 (USA). It is a part of the Wilmington-Metropolitan Area.
Population (2019) – 4,083 people.

1. The cost of real estate.
The average cost of a house in Hampstead is $260,700. The growth in property prices over the past 10 years amounted to 4.64%. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $958.

2. The standard of living.
Compared with the rest of the country, the living minimum in Hampstead is 11.70% higher than the average in the United States. The average income in Hampstead, North Carolina is $64,963 and the average cost of housing is $260,700, which should give you a pretty good idea of ​​its availability.

3. Business and economy.
Being a great place to live also means being a great place to work. A thriving economy ensures good tax revenues to the city budget, allows for improving infrastructure and attracting talented people to work and live.
Business, Industry, Hampstead, NC:
Agriculture and forestry, fishing, hunting and mining – 0%
Construction – 7.6%
Production – 10.3%
Wholesale – 4%
Retail trade – 18%
Transportation, storage and utilities – 4%
IT – 0%
Finance and insurance, real estate, renting and leasing – 4.2%
Science and Administration – 16.8%
Educational services and healthcare and social assistance – 19.7%
Art, entertainment and leisure, restaurant and hotel business – 3.8%
Other services, except public administration – 2.6%
Public administration – 9%

4. The level of employment.
Employment opportunities are also often one of the factors that influence the decision to move. The unemployment rate at Hampstead is 5.3% (average for the USA is 5.2%). Recently, there has been an increase in the number of jobs by 3.27%.
Employment rate in PENDER COUNTY, NC: 95% occupied
Unemployed 5%
Employment by industry:
Management, business, science and art 43.7%
Natural resources, construction and maintenance 16.3%
Production, transportation and movement of materials by 5.2%
Sales and office 18.1%
Service 16.7%

5. Education.
It’s no secret that schools and the opportunity to get a good education are important motivating factors when choosing a place to move and buy a house. There are four primary schools in Hampstead: North Topsail Elementary, South Topsail Elementary, Topsail Elementary, and Surf City Elementary. As well as two secondary schools: Topsail Middle School and Surf City Middle School, and one high school, Topsail High School, which is located in close proximity to Topsail Middle and a few minutes walk from the Hampstead Branch library.

6. Entertainment, events and exhibitions
There are three golf courses in Hampstead: Castle Bay, Olde Point Golf and Country Club and Belvedere Plantation. Every year, on the last weekend of September, the North Carolina Festival is held in Hampstead, which is attended by a thousands of visitors. This festival is held to collect donations for Topsail schools and the community. There is also an annual scholarship contest, in which eight girls from North Carolina are selected, who will represent the festival throughout the year. Local fundraising groups for the American Cancer Society are also holding an event called “The Relay For Life”. The Greater Hampstead Chamber of Commerce holds the Hampstead Expo, which helps unite and support the interests of local entrepreneurs.

Wrightsville Beach is a town in New Hanover County, North Carolina. It is just east of Wilmington and is part of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,548 at the 2017 census. The town consists of a 4 miles (6 km) long beach island, an interior island, called Harbor Island, and pockets of commercial property on the mainland.

The geography of the area is composed of two islands that are separated by two different bodies of water. Bradley Creek runs between the mainland and the Hammocks (currently known as Harbor Island). The Hammocks are then separated from the beach by Banks Channel.
Wrightsville Beach, situated alongside the City of Wilmington, could be the location of your year round dream home. This world renowned island is known for its beach accessibility, ever-present social life, wide variety of recreational activities and vibrant restaurant scene. Once you are on the island, there is no reason to leave!
Beachfront property here is modern with a mix of older cottage style homes. You can live on the beach or choose to face the Intracoastal Waterway from your dream home. Wrightsville Beach is home to a variety of fishing tournaments, including the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament; marathons, including the Quintiles Wrightsville Beach Marathon and surfing competitions, including the WBLA Long Board Pro-Am.

5 Reasons people love living in Wrightsville Beach, N.C.
Located in New Hanover County and just east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach embodies true Carolina beauty. Consisting of 4 miles of gorgeousness, Wrightsville Beach is pure paradise.
This ultimate Carolinian escape has become more than just a popular tourist destination; it is also home to a little under 3,000 residents year round. Offering endless opportunities for fun in the sun and some simply exquisite dining options, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to call home.
After all, nothing else quite beats the ocean at your doorstep. Discover 5 reasons people love living in Wrightsville Beach.

1. It’s the Perfect Escape

Only a short drive from Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect seaside escape. Ideal for fun in the sun, a day at Wrightsville Beach is a great day indeed. Whether you’re looking to spend the day surfing and catching some waves, taking it easy and soaking up some sun on the beach, or even reeling in dinner’s catch at Johnny Mercer’s Pier, Wrightsville Beach has everything you could want in a beach town and more.

2. Best of Both Worlds
Another great benefit of living in Wrightsville Beach is the simple fact that you truly get the best of both worlds. Only a few minutes from Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach offers a location that is hard to beat. Spend your days sunbathing down by the pier and then head downtown for a night full of adventures. All of this is possible and more when Wrightsville Beach is your home.

3. Delicious Dining Options
Who doesn’t love great food? Luckily, Wrightsville Beach delivers. Grab some fresh mex at the local hotspot, Tower 7. In the mood for a quick slice of pizza? Head on down to Vito’s Pizzeria for scrumptious Italian delight. Looking for something a bit “fishier””? If so, you won’t want to miss out on the Oceanic or South Beach Grill (and these are just the beginning). No need to go hungry while you are on the island with such amazing dining options as these.

4. Offers Exceptional Value
If you’re looking to move to Wrightsville Beach, rest assured, this is by far one of the most affordable beach towns that you could be living in. While prices vary by location, on average, living in Wrightsville Beach is one of the most affordable options out there. Whether you are looking to secure that summer beach house or find a year round residence, Wrightsville Beach offers a number of flexible options.

5. Southern Hospitality Still Exists
Perhaps the true magic of Wrightsville Beach is in the fact that southern hospitality can still be found here. Smiling faces all around coupled with exceptional service, it’s hard to find anywhere else in the world like Wrightsville Beach. People of all ages call this place home, but despite this, Wrightsville Beach still maintains it’s small town southern charm. Rest assured, living in Wrightsville Beach is unlike living anywhere else, and in the best way possible.

A cool breeze, the sound of ocean waves crashing, the smell of salty air – it’s the beach lifestyle, it’s calling your name loud and clear. Carolina Beach, NC is over one half of the “Pleasure Island” area, which is also made up by the smaller Kure Beach.
If you’ve never lived at the beach, I can assure you that you’re in for some dramatic changes – hopefully for the better. That’s why we wrote this article just for you. So you’ll have everything you need to know to make an easy, breezy transition to living in Carolina Beach, NC.

Things To Know:
Carolina Beach State Park: If you’re a nature lover, you’re in for a treat – and no, I’m not just talking about the beach itself. That’s because CB State Park offers all sorts of other amenities, including camping, kayaking, and hiking – just to name a few.

The Median Income: $60,057

The Average Home Value: $282,800

Over 50% Of The Properties Are Rentals: For property owners, that means the area will clear out during the winter. The only thing better than living at the beach is having it all to yourself!
Abundance Of Bike Paths: Though you can, of course, drive all over the island, our preferred form of transportation has to be by bicycle. That’s because there’s nothing like experiencing the ocean breeze directly while also getting anywhere you need to go. Pro tip: It’s often faster to get around the island by bike than it is by car, because of the slow-paced traffic.
In The Midst Of A Major Renovation: The area is currently undergoing multiple new growth projects, which will bring even more amenities for your convenience.
25 Minute Drive To The Airport: If you’re moving to CB and away from the large part of your family, you’ll be thrilled to know you’re only a short drive from the airport.
Options For Everyone: Whether you’re a single retiree or part of a young family of 5, Carolina Beach has the perfect housing option for you. From the lower-priced but amenity-filled condos to the luxurious oceanfront homes – the island truly has something for every budget.

What You’ll Need:

A Healthy Taste For Seafood: With over 50% of the restaurant’s in Carolina Beach serving world-class seafood, you could very easily eat it for every meal – and honestly, why wouldn’t you?
A Love For Beach Music: With all our frequent local music festivals & events, beach music will quickly become the soundtrack to your life while living in Carolina Beach.
Layered Clothing: Because of the ocean breeze, the beach is often ~10 degrees cooler than surrounding areas, so you’ll want to make sure to keep a jacket on hand at all times.
Bikes Or A Golf Cart For Easy Transportation: Like we mentioned previously, it’s often faster to get around CB by bike or golf cart. That’s because of the extensive bike paths running all over our island.
A Stainless Steel Grill: The salty beach air, while relaxing, can cause real rust damage to anything metal. That’s why it really pays to get stainless steel outdoor appliances. If not, you’ll have to replace them at least every 5 years.

What You Can Leave Behind:

Your Aversion To Sand: When you live at the beach, sand will quickly become a familiar enemy – so you might as well go ahead & make friends with it.
Your Fast-paced Attitude: Everything moves slower in a beach town, and we mean everything. So, let that relaxation permeate your whole being – it could be just the change you’ve been needing.

There is never been a better time to relocate to Wilmington, NC. The downtown area is bustling with cultural and dining opportunities, the education is top-notch, and the beaches are stunning.

Because the Wilmington real estate market is still quite accessible, it’s a great time to retire or relocate to our beautiful city.

In this post, we’ll look at the top 9 reasons why you should consider to move to Wilmington, NC.

1. Lifestyle
Thanks to North Carolina’s mild climate and our proximity to the water, the lifestyle of Wilmington, NC is unmatched. Those who like to play golf year-round will find paradise at Cape Fear National Golf Course, while those that like to fish and boat will be right at home on the Cape Fear River.

2. Community
Wilmington, NC has a tight-knit community with roots grounded in classic southern hospitality. Whether we’re gathering for one of our many yearly festivals, such as the Azalea Fest or to watch 4th of July fireworks on the beach, coming together is what Wilmington does best. Plus, there’s always room for one or two more.

3. Beaches.
There’s a reason North Carolina beaches are so popular with tourists. The unspoiled natural beauty and peaceful small town feel exemplifies what a bech should be. Wilmington’s quiet beach towns, such as Carolina Beach Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, Topsoil Beach, and Hampstead, are some of the best.

4. Climate.
Of course, there’s no sense living near a slew of beautiful beaches if it’s too cold to enjoy them. With an average yearly temperature of 70°F, and an average winter temperature of 50°F, it’s never too cold for a walk on the beach or an afternoon tee time.

5. Education.
Whether you have kids in primary school, nearing college age, or want to take courses for yourself, Wilmington, NC has a bevy of top-rated schools to choose from, including the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, one of the best ranked public universities in the South. Those who want to continue learning for life should look into the variety of Continuing Education courses at Cape Fear Community College.

6. Culture.
Thanks to a thriving arts scene anchored by the Cameron Art Museum, collegiate arts programs and monthly 4th Friday Gallery Walks, art lovers have a lot to see and do in Wilmington.
Music lovers flock to Wilmington every year for the North Carolina Jazz Fest, while the eclectic offerings at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater keep residents entertained all year long.
Closer to home, Brunswick Forest offers a Summer Concert Series that makes getting out and enjoying the arts as easy as stepping out of your front door.

8. Proximity.
Wilmington, NC is just far away enough from the bustling metropolitan areas to the North to offer a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle or larger cities, but close enough to make a quick trip by air, rail or car.
If you lived here, your friends and loved ones would never be too far away.

9. Real Estate
A new report shows Wilmington has the hottest real estate market in the country. “This new report doesn’t surprise me,” said local real estate broker Jimmy Hopkins. “I think all of us that know and love Wilmington have said for years it’s an undiscovered gem.”
Real estate information firm ATTOM Data Solutions recently analyzed more than 130 metropolitan areas with at least 100,000 single-family homes.
Based on data from mortgage applications, the firm was able to predict the average ratio of homes likely to be sold in the area. The Wilmington area is predicted to have the most growth, followed by Colorado Springs, Manchester, N.H., Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
“I think there are a lot of reasons to move to Wilmington,” Hopkins said. “One, you combine a great climate with lots of water and outdoor activities. We are fortunate to have a university and community college. We have arts and culture, and a vibrant downtown.”

If you decide to buy a house in the secondary market or invest in a house during the construction phase, I can:

• Be your representative and adviser when discussing the price, taking into account all the options for which developers are asking for additional payment.
• Check the quality of the house and assess the possible risks when renovation is necessary.
• Consider a contract from the developer, find potential “pitfalls”.
• Monitor the progress of construction and solve all problems that may arise during construction with the developer. Be your advocate in case of problems with the developer, including the quality and timing of construction.
• To advise you which mortgage is better to take and why, explain in detail the conditions of the mortgage, as well as “bargain” from the bank for favorable financing terms for you
• Advise and organize all necessary inspections for you
• Agree with the developer about the benefits for you in case of a delay in the delivery of the house

Below is one of the examples of “deficiencies” that I came across when the developer passed the house and which was agreed to be fixed at the developer’s expense:

So, here are the standard steps you need to take if you decide to buy a home in North Carolina

Step 1. Assess your financial ability to purchase and pay for home

• Contact a bank or mortgage broker and ask to do a “mortgage pre-approval” (a process that will give you not only an understanding of the cost of a home that you can afford, a percentage of the loan, monthly payments, etc. but you will also be ready to make an offer to buy when you find the house you like). Many sellers often ask for a pre-approval letter from the bank before considering your offer to buy their home; this saves them time and gives you quicker close the deal.
• In the process of buying a house, do not take any actions that may affect your financial situation (do not change jobs, do not make large purchases, such as a car, do not open new credit cards, do not withdraw money from accounts, etc.). As a realtor, I can also advise you on a suitable loan broker and a bank with the best conditions.
• If you come to “Open House” – try not to disclose information that can be used against you to raise the house price (for example, that you urgently need to move).

Step 2. Contact your realtor

• For buyers, the services of a realtor (agent of buyers) are absolutely free in North Carolina, so always look for a house with your agent.
• Share as much detail as possible with the realtor about the house you want to buy (maximum price, number of bedrooms, plot, schools, year of construction, area, proximity to schools and shops, ocean view, etc.) – the more information you give, the faster you can find a suitable option. Sign up for a newsletter with information about the houses that are currently on the market and that will enter the market soon. Realtors, unlike popular websites, use their own network, and have access to information that may not be available on regular websites.

Step 3. Start your home search.

• View information about homes that will be sent to your email. If you decide to see the house live, call your realtor and he / she will set a time to view it.
• Houses in North Carolina and, especially in the Wilmington area, are sold fairly quickly, so do not delay your viewing. If you still decide to make an offer for a house, immediately negotiate the price and terms with your realtor.
• I will help check the history of the sale of the house, as well as the prices of homes in the neighborhood. I can also check the tax payment history and other information that will help us negotiate a negotiation strategy and lower the price.

Step 4. “Due Diligence” and “Earnest Money”

• Be careful! A purchase offer signed by buyers and sellers is an official contract whereby you undertake to buy a house and sellers undertake to sell it to you
• In North Carolina, there is a notion of “Due Diligence” (usually 20-30 days) during which you will inspect the house, negotiate repair conditions with the seller (the seller may agree to do partial or complete repairs, or he may refuse). In the same period, you must apply for a home loan. Also, it is during this time period that you have the right to terminate the contract for any reason or, in general, without giving a reason, notifying the seller of the termination of the contract. Since sellers will “remove” a house from the market and “keep” it for you, it is customary to offer a so-called “Due diligence fee” – the money that you pay directly to sellers. The amount of “Due Diligence” has not been established and depends on many factors, for example, the “popularity” of the house, the fact that the seller has several offers, the amount of the house, your desire to “win” a certain house, etc. At this stage I will help you to discuss the strategy and the amount of due diligence fees. Remember, if you decide not to buy a house (to terminate the contract), then this money WILL NOT BE RETURNED to you!

“Earnest Money” is an additional amount that is usually paid to an independent person (usually your realtor or lawyer who accompanies the transaction), thereby showing the sellers that you not only have money to buy a house, but also that you have serious intentions bring the deal to the end. If you decide to interrupt the transaction before the “Due Diligence” period expires, the “Earnest Money” check will be returned to you. If you terminate the contract after the “Due Diligence” of the period, or you are denied a loan (therefore, it is important to have a pre-approval from the bank in advance), then “Earnest Money” will be paid to the sellers. If you complete the transaction (buy the house), “Due Diligence” and “Earnest Money” will be taken into account in your closing costs.

• At this stage, I will help you decide on the amounts of “Due Diligence” and “Earnest Money” and control the deadlines, as well as represent your interests in negotiations with the bank and the seller’s agent.

Step 5. Offer.

• Be careful! A purchase offer signed by buyers and sellers is an official contract whereby you undertake to buy a house and sellers undertake to sell it to you.
• In North Carolina, there is a notion of “Due Diligence” (usually 20-30 days) during which you will inspect the house, negotiate repair conditions with the seller (the seller may agree to do partial or complete repairs, or may refuse). In the same period, you must apply for a home purchase loan. Also, depending on the situation, you can ask the sellers to pay for a home warranty for the first year, suggest cleaning the carpets before handing over the keys, requesting a general cleaning, etc.
• I will help you make an offer and together with the pre-approval letter from the bank and all the necessary documents (disclosures), I send this offer to the seller’s agent.
• The seller reviews the offer and reports his decision. If the seller sends your offer in response, your offer is considered to be canceled.

Step 6. Offer is accepted, contract signed. What’s next?

• As soon as the contract is signed and you have written the checks, it’s time to apply to the bank for a loan. The bank starts reviewing your application and orders appraisal (house valuation by a licensed house valuer).
• At the same time, we are ordering a home inspection. The inspector makes a list of all the shortcomings and faults.
• This is a period of ”Due Diligence”, so it’s time to agree with the seller about the repair and elimination of all faults.
• Also during this period, I recommend ordering a mapping of your future site (so-called survey), which will indicate the exact boundaries and all that is on your site, but belongs to the neighbors (e.g. fence, shed, bushes, and etc.) and vice versa.
• As soon as you receive approval from the bank for a loan and final financial settlement, you go to your bank and do a “wire transfer” at the expense of your lawyer. Now you are ready for the final step – closing the deal.

Step 7. Closing the deal (Closing)

You, together with your realtor, a lawyer and a banker, meet in the office of your lawyer or your realtor, and sign all the necessary papers. The meaning of each of them will be explained to you by your attorney. After signing, you give him a check, and he gives you the keys to YOUR NEW HOUSE!

If you are ready to start searching for your home, contact me and we will start searching.