Brunswick County Blog

Maybe Positive News Doesn’t Make Headlines

We are bucking the tide of negativity here in Southport, NC or at least in the Three Rivers Realty office. We have new listings (land and homes) that are in superior locations, in great condition and priced to sell.  Every Three Rivers Realty agent is actively working with buyers looking in different neighborhoods, and price ranges.  We are also preparing for new buyers and sellers in the coming weeks.

It is a great time to buy and sell real estate in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The beaches have never been better and our weather is perfect. Come see for yourself.  This is living the good life.

Thanks for listening.
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
www.ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Southport, NC
AHeck@ec.rr.com

The Perfect Storm

It just doesn’t get much better than this for buyers of a vacation home, retirement dream, investment or relocation. In fact, we could call it the perfect storm.

Well, the savvy buyers calling Three Rivers Realty every day are looking for the perfect storm -– the combination of large inventory, great prices, great mortgage rates and the knowledge that their investment will soon start to increase in value.

Yup. We’ve got all those factors in play.

In fact,  the bottom of the market has come and gone. We’re seeing a tick upward, and today the Brunswick County Association of Realtors confirmed that sales are 12% ahead of this time last year and that we’re ahead of this time on the calendar in 2004.

The oceanfront dream lot or home is affordable. The golf communities have great prices. The family home is within reach. And it’s all in beautiful Brunswick County, North Carolina where we get an occasional storm -- and the rest of the time it’s perfect!

Pam Quinn, Broker
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Canadians in Carolina

Well, we couldn’t help the beauty of alliteration in the line, but that was secondary. It’s about escaping the cold and snow for a game of golf, pansies blooming and a blue Carolina sky that heals any winter-weary soul.

Why talk about snow now? Because a real estate vacation home or lot investment now makes perfect sense in a buyer’s market, low interest rates and a strong Canadian dollar. Because by March you can be in tranquil Brunswick County. North Carolina instead of the traffic jams of Myrtle Beach. And because our Canadian specialists know exactly how to make it happen. Welcome the newest brokers of Three Rivers Realty, Bob and Pam Quinn, former long-time Canadian residents. Go to www.CanadiansInCarolina.com.

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Land for Sale. Dirt Cheap?

“Dirt Cheap.” I would love to know the origin of that expression. Real estate agents often use the phrase,“to sell dirt” (land).

Here’s something of interest that I think you will find amazing. My research in our MLS system reports that there are currently 15 lots for sale for $10,000 or under. These lots are located in Boiling Spring Lakes, Southport and Shallotte. 

Now we both know where you can buy land that is “dirt cheap.” It’s right here in Brunswick County, North Carolina.

Right now we are seeing lots at rock bottom prices.  As Peter Heck, our broker-in-charge recently explained to his client, “buying land is your inoculation against inflation.” 

Next month when you receive your economic stimulus check from Uncle Sam, think long term investment. Think Dirt Cheap…and call me.

Thanks for listening!
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

PS: Do you want to spend more? We can find that here too!

Beachcombing of a Different Sort

Peter and I spent a spectacular weekend in Charleston -- which is only a short three hour drive from here -- with some friends. We walked all over this gracious Southern city to sample shopping, restaurants, art galleries, and museums. We grew up in beach towns on the Jersey Shore, so there is an attraction to all things beach. On our way back to Southport, we detoured to visit Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms. Even when we are "off,"  we still think real estate.

The homes were magnificent. Public beach access. . .  not so much. Our point of comparison, with 76 public, free beach access points (with parking) is Oak Island. Frankly, it's hard to find any other coastal town that offers so much for so little to so many.

Thanks for listening,
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Why Oak Island?

Want to know a secret?   Oak Island, NC. 

Oak Island is the best option for investors, beach lovers, families, empty nesters, fishing fans and just about everyone.  Here's why. . .  at the current rate of construction, The Island will be completely built out in just ten years.

That's no undeveloped land left. 

This projection is available right on the town's website under Executive Summary 201 Facilities Plan Update.  That is right out of the textbook on Supply and Demand.  This affects the price of both land and homes. Tick Tock.

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Families Flourish Here

This past week, our family came to visit, and we had the extraordinary joy of watching our two young grandsons play outside in the middle of winter.  Yes, it was February, but we went to the beach, played for hours on the playground in South Harbor, and watched as they rode their tiny motorcycles up and down the driveway. 

For the entire week we had mild temperatures, Carolina blue skies and abundant sunshine, and it was the perfect antidote to a New Jersey winter where inside play is pretty much your only option.

The coast of North Carolina has become a mecca for retirees because of our temperate and seasonal climate, the lower cost of owning a home and the accessibility of free beaches, fishing and many outdoor recreational activities. Sounds like the perfect place to raise a family! Hint. Hint.

Thanks for listening!

Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Growth In Brunswick County NC

Experts Point to Healthy Growth in Brunswick County

Dr. Woody Hall is a UNCW professor of economics and a noted expert on growth in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties.  Dr. Hall predicted the local economy would grow by 4.5% this year. He reports that one out of every five workers in Brunswick County has a job related to development and construction. No surprise, since Brunswick County is the 14th fastest growing county in the entire country, and the second in the state. As evidence of this growth, more than 800 building permits were issued in 2007 for single family homes.  Dr. Hall noted that 41,712 acres have been rezoned into lots since 1999 for developers to build 85,000 new homes but preserving 9,000 acres of green space. We remain a county of small businesses; three out of four new businesses in Brunswick County have nine or fewer employees. Can't wait to share the good life with you!

Best,
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty in Southport, NC

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

News That Will Move You!

A study by United Van Lines reports that Americans are moving to North Carolina at a higher rate than any other state in the country.  These findings were based on a review in the past year of over 212,000 household moves. This is the second consecutive year that North Carolina has claimed the number one spot.

Michigan had the highest rate of out-of-state moves followed by North Dakota, New Jersey, New York and Illinois.

The study did not determine the reason for these moves, but I think I know.  Having lived in both New Jersey and North Carolina, I submit my. . . 

Top Ten Reasons to Leave New Jersey for North Carolina!

1. Better Weather
2. Public Beach Access
3. Much Lower Taxes
4. Realistically Priced Homes
5. Less Traffic
6. Nicer People
7. Shorter Winters and No Snow to Shovel
8. Carolina Blue Skies and Abundant Sunshine
9. Golf, Fishing, Boating Everywhere
10. Hushpuppies (If you don't know what they are now. . .  you will when you get here!)

Thanks for listening!
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
www.ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Presidential Candidates: Take Note

Our daughter Jennifer just let me know that the weather in New Jersey is in the 60's. Here our temperature today is in the mid-70's.

I think presidential candidates should propose that on the first winter’s day when it is unexpectedly beautiful everyone should be allowed an extra hour off across the country to drink in such fabulous weather.  Go play outside!

Who would vote against that?

Thanks for listening,

Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC  28461

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com