Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Ready, Set, Go!

Are you ready? Jump aboard, before you miss the boat. All the "experts" say you never know when the housing market has hit bottom until its over and on it's way back up. This week I have seen interest in buying property bounce back a little. I'm not just talking "tire kickers" but true blue buyers wanting and needing to invest in a new home. I have property under contract and several hot prospects.

Home prices continue to drop but interest rates are on the rise. Now is the time to get that interest rate locked in at these low rates. If they drop further, you can possibly refinance later. The main point is, don't wait until the market is soaring back up and you missed your chance to get a great property at a great price with a great interest rate.

Act now before Ready, set, go becomes Going, going, gone!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Is Your House Priced Right?

Are you in denial of the real estate market and don't want to price your property where it needs to be? This is a very price driven market. It may be time for a reality check if your home has had very few showings or you've lost a possible buyer to a competing and lower price home down the street. So how do you know if your house is priced right? Consider these things:
  1. Not enough showings. It is likely overpriced if it doesn't get any showings the first few weeks on the market. A bigger sign is fliers are being taken from the box, there are a substantial number of hits of the website but buyers are not scheduling showings.
  2. Some showings but no contract. Perhaps you're getting showings but there haven't been any offers. If this is the case you're close to the right price but not there yet. Ten showings and no offer or two weeks with no showings you are probably overpriced.
  3. Similar homes are now selling for less. It is important to remain up to date with the current market. The price must be reviewed to ensure it is still priced correctly as the market changes. Monitor pending sales daily and make sure your home is competing well with those buyers are taking action on.
  4. Repeated negative feedback. If you are receiving the same negative feedback from buyers that is a big sign the price should be adjusted. It may reveal that other homes in the same price range and area have an updated kitchen or bathrooms. The solution is either remodel or lower the price.
  5. You've cut the price, but not enough. If you are going to cut the price a larger decrease will generate more interest than a little at a time. For example, a $200,000 should be cut by $10,000 if it isn't moving.

The first three weeks are critical. During this time your property will have it's most showings with the most potential, qualified buyers. Don't blow it by overpricing.

information taken from Wall Street Journal Sunday(6/8/08)

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Price Improvement!!



Be the first in the neighborhood! This beautiful 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home has been reduced to $548,400. Located in a quiet ICW community with proposed amenities including pool, clubhouse, day docks, and community pier. This home has ICW views from the back/side screen porch and side balcony. Check out the visual tour at www.deannwatts.com

Price Improvement!!



This beautiful lake front custom home has recently been reduced. This home is now listed for $459,900 which is $20,000 below original. Go to www.deannwatts.com and take a visual tour of this home. You don't want to miss it!

New Listing

Check out my website (www.deannwatts.com) for this new listing. 2634 Jessica Lane is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath "hurricane" home with bonus room AND full basement. This one is priced to sell at $469,209. It is a lake front home located in Lakes of Lockwood near Holden Beach, NC. The community amenities include clubhouse, pool, and 2 lakes perfect for fishing, canoeing, kayaking or paddle boats. Take a visual tour now.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Real Estate Market on the Rise

Have you heard? The Real Estate Market is on the rise!! Experts believe the market has reached the bottom and is on the rise. Now is THE time to buy. If you've been waiting to get the best investment, what are you waiting for?

The "bottom" is never known until it's over, so it better to buy in the "bottom" area than to miss it all together because you were still waiting. Interest rates have remained low however guidelines are changing daily. It's best to start your search with your lender so you know exactly what range you need to be looking.

I look forward to hearing from you in your quest for beach property.

Also check out www.deannwatts.com. It has a new look and is still in transition however it is updated daily with new pictures, information, listings and tips. Bookmark it!!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Home

Whether your home is on the market or not, these tips will make your home more appealing for yourself and for potential buyers:

1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows and cut down on light.
2. Buy a new doormat.
3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.
4. Put new doorknobs on your front door.
5. Put a fresh coating on your driveway.
6. Edge the grass around walks and trees.
7. Keep your garden tools out of site.
8. Be sure kids put away their toys.
9. Buy a new mailbox.
10. Upgrade your outside lighting.
11. Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel.
12. Polish or replace your house numbers.
13. Clean your gutters.
14. Put out potpourri or burn scented candles.
15. Buy new pillows for the sofa.
16. Buy a flowering plant and put in a window you pass by frequently.
17. Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers.
18. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.
19. Buy new towels.
20. Put a seasonal wreath on your door.


www.deannwatts.com

SOLD!!

So, you've sold your home and ready to move. Here are a few tips to help the process be easier.


1. Give your forwarding address to the post office, usually 2-4 weeks ahead of the move.

2. Notify credit cards, magazine subscriptions, and bank of the change of address.

3. Develop a list of friends, relatives, and business colleagues who need to be notified of the move.

4. Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.

5. Cancel the newspaper.

6. If using a moving company ask about insurance coverage for moved items and what items are covered.

7. Clean out appliances and prepare them for moving, if applicable.

8. Note the weight of the goods you’ll have moved, since long-distance moves are usually billed according to weight. Watch for movers that use excessive padding to add weight.

9. If you are moving from a condo or apartment, Check restrictions on using the elevator or certain exits.

10. Pack an “open first” box with the things you’ll need most—toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pencils and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.

Plus, if you’re moving out of town:
1. Get copies of medical and dental records and prescriptions for your family and your pets.
2. Get copies of children’s school records for transfer.
3. Consider special car needs for pets when traveling.
4. Let a friend or relative know your route.
5. Empty your safety deposit box.
6. Put plants in boxes with holes for air circulation if you’re moving in cold weather.

Get Ready for That Open House

1. Add a touch of color. Use fresh or silk flowers to breathe life and color into the main rooms. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room.

2. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and fancy guest soaps.

3. Does it smell good? Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell. Make sure that there are no lingering scents from cigarettes or pets.

4. Help them envision living there. Set the table with pretty dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture themselves there. For example, in the basement lay out a chess game.

5. Beautify the entrance. Buy a fresh doormat with a pretty pattern or a clever saying.

6. Make the rooms feel bigger. Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness.

7. Accentuate counter space. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space.

8. Lay logs in the fireplace. Or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.

9. Depersonalize the rooms. Put away family photos, mementos, and distinctive artwork.

10. The lawn should sparkle. Turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes to make the lawn sparkle.

Make Your Home More Saleable

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

Before you sell your home.


1. Get estimates from a reliable repairperson on items that need to be replaced soon, a roof or worn carpeting, for example. In this way, buyers will have a better sense of how much these needed repairs will affect their costs.
2. Have a termite inspection to prove to buyers that the property is not infested.
3. Get a pre-sale home inspection so you’ll be able to make repairs before buyers become concerned and cancel a contract.
4. Gather together warranties and guarantees on the furnace, appliances, and other items that will remain with the house.
5. Fill out a disclosure form provided by your sales associate. Take the time to be sure that you don’t forget problems, however minor, that might create liability for you after the sale.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Holden Beach, NC


These pictures are from the ICW side of the west end of Holden Beach. I took these yesterday when it was a comfortable 74 degrees. There was moderate boat traffic which is a sure sign summer is on it's way.




















Many Holden Beach residents have a pier and/or boat lift. Living at the beach is all about boating or fishing. So where better to enjoy your pick than in your own back yard.

These pictures were taken in a new community called Caison's Creek. This association offers clubhouse, pool, day dock, and community pier for a low yearly fee. Check out more on this community with a virtual tour at www.deannwatts.com.

Enjoy your day and come see us soon!!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Never Too Old & Never Too Late

I heard an amazing and inspiring story this morning. A grandfather who took his 6 year old grandson to school each, would watch and listen as the children learned to read. This grandfather, who I believe was about 70 years old, finally gathered enough courage to ask the teacher if she would teach him to read.

The grandfather can now read and is grateful to be able to read the labels on can goods. Something so simple to many of us, was something grand to him and it made his life much easier. The teacher of 18 years said she knew she made a difference but it was not until this year that she realized what a difference she does make.

This just shows you are never too old to learn something new. So what are you going to learn today?

Monday, April 14, 2008

New Home Listings

If you haven't checked out my website lately, you are missing out. I recently added two home listing as well as a lot. All three are excellent properties. If you don't see something you like, let me know what you need and I'll be glad to help.

Things have really picked up in the past few weeks. Buyers are coming out and ready to buy. Some sellers have increased their prices. So it looks like real estate is coming back to the fast track. Rates are still low and inventory is plentiful, so don't wait too long to make you investment.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Day at the Docks

It's that time of year again, Day at the Docks will be Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. This Holden Beach event is always a crowd pleaser. The festival is kicked off Saturday with a 5k and 10k run at 8am. You'll find arts & crafts, food and entertainment the whole weekend. Never been? Don't miss out again on a week end of fun.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

First Time Home Buyer?

Buying a home for the first time can be very confusing and not to mention scary. You not only have to think about the type of home you want but you also are faced with confusing loan terms, deadlines, and rates.

Homeward Bound is holding a FREE class for first time buyers. This 6 hour class will give you a Homebuyer Education Certificate. Call 910-253-0699 to register and receive more information. The class is scheduled for April 5 from 8:30am-4pm.

Brunswick County Still Growing

Last year Brunswick County was rated as the 14th fastest growing county in the country. That says a lot. New rankings have been released and Brunswick County is now ranked 17th. That is still very impressive. This ranking was from July 1, 2006 to July 1, 2007.

Census reports predict the population of the county grew 5.5% from 94,048 to 99,214. The last census, completed in 2000, Brunswick County population was 73,141.

The real estate market may have slowed, but Brunswick County appears to be beating the odds and continues to be a sought after destination.

I can't argue with that. I love Brunswick County! It is filled with beautiful beaches, lakes, rivers, waterways along with very rural areas as well. Everywhere you look there is something wonderful to see and discover.

Swinging Through the 50's and 60's

This Friday, April 4th at 8pm and Sunday, April 6th at 3pm will the Sea Notes spring concert. This is a very talented group of locals who perform 3 shows a year; Spring, 4th of July and Christmas. If you have never been to one of their concerts you should check it out.

My family and I went to the Christmas concert and it was wonderful! Not only was there singing but hand bells, flutes, piano, and other instruments featured throughout the event. My four year old daughter just loved it and wanted to know when they would do it again.

It is held at Hatch Auditorium at the Baptist Assembly in Caswell Beach. Seats fill up quickly, so get there early. The website is www.sea-notes.com.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

www.beachsales.com

You have to check out this website. Beachsales.com allows you to post, for free, any coastal property internationally. It's only been up and running about a week but there are already several listings. This is a great way to promote your own property or clients property for free and have it marketed internationally. It's kind of a cross between Craigslist and Realtor.com. The only catch is it has to be coastal property, that's it.

So whether you're looking to invest in coastal property or selling coastal property, Beachsales.com is definitely the place to be. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

Thank goodness it's Friday! It has been a busy week for me. The big news is..... I joined Allan Dameron Realty, Inc. This is a down to earth, friendly company who delivers service with a smile and people come back time and time again.

You will be seeing a lot of changes on my website www.deannwatts.com in the coming days and weeks. I hope you will also check out www.allandameronrealty.com and www.beachsales.com These two sites will give you information about the firm.

I'm excited about the change and look forward to a busy future. I hope you are planning a trip down soon. It's sunny and 75 today! Great beach weather!

Hope to see you soon.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Wonderful Wednesday

It's Wednesday, the birds are singing, the sun is shining, and there is positive news about the real estate market. Now is a great time to buy for so many reasons. As you know many sellers have lowered their prices and interest rates are holding pretty low.

If you've been thinking about investing in a new home or land, what are you waiting for? I heard on the news yesterday that home sales have increased. People are starting to stick their toes back into real estate waters. I know everyone was scared and unsure of what to do with all the negative news stories about a declining market and value. I'm not saying that has not been true; however, you should remember that real estate is a local bird. What happens in one area of the country or state does not always mean the same is true in all areas.

Real Estate has been slow here at the beach but that's all changing. I am seeing more traffic (not vacationers so to speak, but people looking at property) and more people willing to think and talk about moving. What better time to dive in than when interest rates are low, sellers are willing to negotiate, and there is a good inventory.

If you have any questions or comments about real estate, I'd love to hear from you. Have a great Wednesday!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Spring has Sprung!

According to the calendar, spring arrived last Thursday. Someone should tell the weather man. This morning is was 35 degrees with a wind chill of 31! To me that's cold!! But good news is on the way. By Friday the temp is forecast to be 79. I can't wait. That's perfect beach weather.

But don't get spring fever too much. If you are itching to plant those spring flowers you should wait until April 10. And if you want to be really sure that the frost is over wait until April 20 before putting anything in the ground.

Happy Spring!!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Room with a view.


Brunswick County, North Carolina, home to Ocean Isle Beach, Calabash, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Southport, Oak Island, Shallotte, and several other small towns. The county is like a step back in time. While Shallotte is home to our local Wal-Wart, Lowes and Home Depot, the county is made up of small beach communities which have not been over come by large franchises. Many of our businesses are owned by the small town man.


My firm, McMillan Real Estate, office is in Ocean Isle Beach. Located on 179, it is right in the main business area for the city. I, however, am very fortunate. Each day my duty is located in a 125 home site lake front community near Holden Beach. How's that fortunate, you ask. Well, for one it is very close to my home so commute is basically none, and the place itself it just wonderful.


Lakes of Lockwood has a 7 acre lake that is very peaceful and calming. Home to bass, brim, turtles, and others, it is perfect for fishing or canoeing/kayaking. My office is located in one of our model homes located on the lake. You hear people boast about the great view from their office window overlooking the city? Here is my view.




Great, isn't it? If you would like to read more about the area, check out www.deannwatts.com
Have a great Monday!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Beautiful Day!!

It's sunny and 66 degrees and a high of 72 today! I thought I would share this beautiful day with day.

Holden Beach, NC is known for its fishing/shrimping boats. As you can see the ICW is busy this morning.



What's more perfect than Carolina Blue skies and not a cloud to be seen!


You can see a boat coming in the ICW and on the other side of the houses you get a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Jealous yet? You should come down for a visit. What are you waiting for?


Friday, March 21, 2008

What's the world coming to?

I spent my morning organizing the Blue & Gold Banquet for our Cub Scout Pack. Scouts is a very large part of my family's life. My husband has been Cub Master for the Pack and is an Assistant Leader for our Boy Scout Troop as well. I have been the Committee Chair for the Pack for many years. So, as you can see, we are very involved in this wonderful program. And it's not just Scouts that we support. My volunteer record includes PTA, POA (Property Owners Association), and Parent Advisory Committee (Local and District). We believe in supporting people and teaching our children about community involvment. Values and morals are at the top of the list for "things to teach your child".



Having said all that, here is my point. My husband received an email yesterday stating that our ATM account had been credited. All he needed to do was send in his address, account number and social securty number. I hope no one falls for this sceme. Please realize that if this was on the up and up, your bank would not ask for your account number or social security number.



What's the world coming to? What ever happened to working for what you get. Hard work is how you get ahead in this world. How can someone sleep at night knowing they took someone's hard earned money by tricking them. What's the old saying? "Honesty is the best policy." Times are tough for most people, having your money taken by a scamer only makes matters worse. So spread the word to friends and family to aware of this scam.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Great website!

Are you looking for information on Brunswick County Real Estate? Check out www.deannwatts.com.