Brunswick County Blog

CANADIANS BUYING IN U.S.

One of Canada's leading newspapers reports that Canadians bought twice as many homes in the United States compared to a year ago. The Financial Post says the motivation is a stronger Canadian dollar, a wicked winter in Canada in 2008 and lower housing prices in the United States.

No surprise here.

While many of these buyers are heading to Florida and Arizona, the lure of a coastal community with great golf and boating also brings Canadians to the Myrtle Beach area. And let me tell you, a very short drive north brings you to some of the best prices left on the eastern seaboard, in North Carolina's Brunswick County.

And yes, we've got amazing golf, beautiful beaches and easy winters. As a Canadian who bought here, I know all the ins and outs. Let's talk about the possibilities, starting with how easy it is to be here in February with blue skies, sunshine and a tee time.

Thanks for listening!

Bob Quinn, Broker

The Times They Are A Changing

Maybe it's the greening of real estate or newly pragmatic buyers, but there is a new wave of home buyers. We are seeing a bigger demand for smaller homes.  In recent months in Brunswick County, NC, the trends are pointing not to a bigger home but to a better home with more upgrades. Homes with crown molding, granite countertops, upgraded appliances, huge showers and masterful closets are on the "must have" list for many.  A recent buyer told me that after many anxious months up North waiting for her large NY home to sell, she vowed to be more realistic in the purchase of her next home. She did and she loves it.

Downsizing...it's a beautiful thing.

Thanks for listening.

Allyn Heck, Broker/owner

Three Rivers Realty

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

Gardening in Southport, NC

Nothing adds curb appeal and value to a home more than a beautiful garden.  Gardening in our area is not for the faint of heart.  Every transplanted gardener soon finds that what grows well up North does not do well here at all. We also find that much to our delight, many plants that were either annuals or houseplants in the North are perennials here.  We discover new plants, flowers and grasses that rapidly become our favorites.

Gardens in coastal Carolina are also challenged by deer, rabbits, sandy soil and drought. However, we are blessed by a long, strong growing season.  Monday, we went on a Garden Tour showcasing 11 home gardens that were beautiful and inspirational.

I am already planning my new gardening projects for the weekend. What I do know is that gardeners by nature (no pun intended) understand what we can control and what we can’t…and then work around obstacles until we achieve what we want. Superb life skills!

I have a list of plants that are: deer resistant, drought tolerant, and shade tolerant plants. Let me know if you would like me to send you a copy.

Thanks for listening,
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner
AHeck@ec.rr.com
Three Rivers Realty
Southport, NC

www.ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com

Let Them Eat Crab Cakes!

 

Southport, NC has made THE list in 1,000 Places in the USA and Canada to See Before You Die. In it, international bestselling author Patricia Schultz highlights a few of Southport's most popular spots. This didn't surprise me, because I've always known that Southport is a must-see for just about everyone!

Schultz writes that Southport is a "richly historic town rife with galleries, boutiques, and a great marina." She also mentions a favorite seafood dive of hers, the Yacht Basin Provision Company -- a restaurant everyone in our office frequents. When there, Schultz writes (and I agree) that you should "grab a beverage from the cooler and order from the bounty of the sea: conch fritters, the best fresh shrimp cocktail, and lumpy crab cakes on paper plates."

Now is the perfect time to visit! Let us know when you're going to be in town, and we'll plan on lunch at the Provision Company.

Have any of you already been to the Provision Company? What's your favorite dish there?

Thanks,
Allyn Heck, Broker/Owner -- AHeck@ec.rr.com
www.ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Toll-free: 866.908.4325
611 N. Howe St.
Southport, NC 28461

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

Paradise Found

As vacation season gets closer, it gets harder to do the routine. Pack the lunches, rush to work, get the kids to practice and then there’s the load of laundry that just won’t fold itself. So you think ahead to the precious week or two at the beach when life slows down, you can finish a conversation and take time to do nothing more than spend an hour watching the tide change.

It’s a softer life.  It doesn’t have to be just a week or two.

With your own affordable vacation home here in Brunswick County, you can get away for a few days. Sneak a week. Do the December holidays under a blue Carolina sky that heals the soul.

We can work with nearly any budget. And your investment holds its value all the way into retirement.

Fish, boat, golf, explore or just watch the tide change. There’s a lifestyle here to suit any interest. Vacation home, retirement or a little of both.

Thanks for listening!
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!

Creating Your Own Economic Success Story

Today is the day more Americans focus on money than any other time of the year. April 15th is our annual wake up call about the state of our own personal economy. Conversations around kitchen tables across the country examine what we can do to make more money -- or at least keep more of it. 

I have two words for you:  Real Estate.

ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com