Articles Tagged "Relocation"

SHALLOTTE, N.C. - Brunswick County Association of REALTORS®

Brunswick County's residential real estate market exceeded $2 billion in year-to-date total sales in October with luxury sales leading the way, and more than half of all homes sold during October were sold at or above list price.

"While $2 billion in total sales seemed like an unreachable milestone just a couple of years ago, it doesn't come as a shock this year given our market's consistently strong performance month over month," said Cynthia Walsh, BCAR CEO. "Overall demand remains strong, prices continue to increase, and we continue to see a strong luxury market. Overall, our market is positioned for continued strength as we move into winter."

Brunswick County saw $211,520,000 in total sales volume in October, a 0.5% increase from last year's $210,450,000. The average sales price increased 9.3%, from $432,131 to $472,150. New listings were down 24.4%, from 622 to 470. The number of units sold in October dropped 8% compared to last year, from 487 to 448, and homes spent an average of 33 days on the market. The absorption rate, which is the amount of time it would take to sell all available inventory, remains at two months. Brunswick County's luxury market was strong in October with 24 sales in excess of $1 million, including three sales over $2 million and a 3.4 million sale in Ocean Isle Beach.

Year-to-date sales volume through October is $2,168,330,000, down 3.9% from $2,255,559,429 last year. Average sales prices for the year are 11.9% higher than 2021, increasing from $393,703 to $440,574. The number of units sold through October is down 16.9%, from 5,723 to 4,756, and the number of new listings is down 11.3%, from 6,316 to 5,602.

Brunswick County

• New Listings
  • October 2022: 470
  • October 2021: 622
  • Increase/Decrease: -24.4%
• Units Sold
  • October 2022: 448
  • October 2021: 487
  • Increase/Decrease: -8%
• Average Sales Price
  • October 2022: $472,150
  • October 2021: $432,131
  • Increase/Decrease: +9.3%
• Median Sales Price
  • October 2022: $425,000
  • October 2021: $343,168
  • Increase/Decrease: +23.8%
• Total Sales Volume
  • October 2022: $211,520,000
  • October 2021: $210,450,000
  • Increase/Decrease: +0.5%

Bladen County

• New Listings
  • October 2022: 20
  • October 2021: 9
  • Increase/Decrease: +122.2%
• Units Sold
  • October 2022: 12
  • October 2021: 18
  • Increase/Decrease: -33.3%
• Average Sales Price
  • October 2022: $192,408
  • October 2021: $188,289
  • Increase/Decrease: +2.2%
• Total Sales Volume
  • October 2022: $2,310,000
  • October 2021: $3,390,000
  • Increase/Decrease: -31.9%

Columbus County

• New Listings
  • October 2022: 31
  • October 2021: 37
  • Increase/Decrease: -16.2%
• Units Sold
  • October 2022: 29
  • October 2021: 29
  • Increase/Decrease: 0%
• Average Sales Price
  • October 2022: $215,475
  • October 2021: $192,366
  • Increase/Decrease: +12%
• Total Sales Volume
  • October 2022: $6,250,000
  • October 2021: $5,580,000
  • Increase/Decrease: +12%

The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR) is the local association level of the largest trade association in the nation, presently serving its members, which are comprised of REALTORS®, Appraisers, and Affiliate Members. For more information, please visit http://www.bcarnc.com.

SHALLOTTE, N.C. - Brunswick County Association of Realtors

Brunswick County's residential real estate market felt the impacts of Hurricane Ian during September with fewer new listings and fewer homes sold compared to last year. Prices ticked upward, continuing a recent and familiar pattern.

"September hurricanes often affect our real estate market, and Hurricane Ian was no exception," said Cynthia Walsh, BCAR CEO. "Ian blew through at the end of the month, which is when a large number of closings typically occur. The timing explains why we saw a lower number of homes sold and lower total sales volume last month. While Ian brough a temporary tropical slowdown, and while our market isn't moving at the frantic pace it once was, we continue to see strong demand, and our market remains on track for another strong year."

Brunswick County saw $215,280,000 in total sales volume in September 2022, a 12.9% decrease from last September's $247,120,000. The average sales price increased 7.5%, from $433,541 to $465,983. New listings were down 16.3%, from 559 to 468. The number of units sold in September dropped 18.9% compared to last year, from 570 to 462, and homes spent an average of 30 days on the market. The absorption rate, which is the amount of time it would take to sell all available inventory, remains at two months. Brunswick County's luxury market was strong in September with 28 sales in excess of $1 million, including a sale over $4 million in Ocean Isle Beach.

Year-to-date sales volume through September is $1,956,810,000, down 4.3% from $2,045,109,429 last year. Average sales prices for the year are 13.1% higher than 2021, increasing from $389,433 to $440,574. The number of units sold through September is down 17.7%, from 5,236 to 4,308, and the number of new listings is down 9.9%, from 5,694 to 5,132.

Brunswick County

New Listings

• September 2022: 468
• September 2021: 559
• Increase/Decrease: -16.3%

Units Sold

• September 2022: 462
• September 2021: 570
• Increase/Decrease: -18.9%

Average Sales Price

• September 2022: $465,983
• September 2021: $433,541
• Increase/Decrease: +7.5%

Median Sales Price

• September 2022: $364,438
• September 2021: $331,532
• Increase/Decrease: +9.9%

Total Sales Volume

• September 2022: $215,280,000
• September 2021: $247,120,000
• Increase/Decrease: -12.9%

Bladen County

New Listings

• September 2022: 16
• September 2021: 17
• Increase/Decrease: -5.9%

Units Sold

• September 2022: 8
• September 2021: 9
• Increase/Decrease: -11.1%

Average Sales Price

• September 2022: $192,488
• September 2021: $193,967
• Increase/Decrease: -0.8%

Total Sales Volume

• September 2022: $1,540,000
• September 2021: $1,750,000
• Increase/Decrease: -12%

Columbus County

New Listings

• September 2022: 30
• September 2021: 36
• Increase/Decrease: -16.7%

Units Sold

• September 2022: 32
• September 2021: 25
• Increase/Decrease: +28%

Average Sales Price

• September 2022: $202,054
• September 2021: $187,324
• Increase/Decrease: +7.9%

Total Sales Volume

• September 2022: $6,470,000
• September 2021: $4,680,000
• Increase/Decrease: +38.2%

The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR) is the local association level of the largest trade association in the nation, presently serving its members, which are comprised of REALTORS®, Appraisers and Affiliate Members. For more information, please visit http://www.bcarnc.com.

SHALLOTTE, N.C. - Brunswick County Association of Realtors

In August, Brunswick County's residential real estate market saw higher prices, fewer new listings, and fewer homes sold compared to last August.  

"While there is talk nationally of a real estate slowdown, Brunswick County's market continues to demonstrate remarkable stability," said Cynthia Walsh, BCAR CEO. "When looking at these numbers, it's important to remember just how abnormal the past few years have been. While the number of homes sold is down slightly compared to last year, sales have been pretty much steady month over month for the past two years, generally hovering between 500 and 600 sales per month, with our usual seasonal dip in December, January, and February. Overall, our market remains on track to once again do something that was unheard of prior to 2020: surpass $2 billion in total sales before the end of the year."

Brunswick County saw $232,570,000 in total sales volume in August 2022, a 5.7% decrease from last August's $246,620,000. The average sales price increased 9.4%, from $415,883 to $455,130. New listings were down 10.4%, from 682 to 611. The number of units sold in August dropped 13.8% compared to last year, from 593 to 511, and homes spent an average of 26 days on the market. The absorption rate, which is the amount of time it would take to sell all available inventory, remains at two months. Brunswick County's luxury market remained strong in August with 19 sales in excess of $1 million and two sales of $2 million or more.

Year-to-date sales volume through August is $1,741,530,000, down 3.1% from $1,797,989,429 last year. Average sales prices for the year are 14.8% higher than in 2021, increasing from $383,919 to $440,574. The number of units sold through August is down 17.6%, from 4,666 to 3,846, and the number of new listings is down 9.2%, from 5,135 to 4,664.

Brunswick County

• New Listings
  • August 2022: 611
  • August 2021: 682
  • Increase/Decrease: -10.4%
• Units Sold
  • August 2022: 511
  • August 2021: 593
  • Increase/Decrease: -13.8%
• Average Sales Price
  • August 2022: $455,130
  • August 2021: $415,883
  • Increase/Decrease: +9.4%
• Median Sales Price
  • August 2022: $370,000
  • August 2021: $325,000
  • Increase/Decrease: +13.8%
• Total Sales Volume
  • August 2022: $232,570,000
  • August 2021: $246,620,000
  • Increase/Decrease: -5.7%

Bladen County

• New Listings
  • August 2022: 14
  • August 2021: 20
  • Increase/Decrease: -30%
• Units Sold
  • August 2022: 12
  • August 2021: 13
  • Increase/Decrease: -7.7%
• Average Sales Price
  • August 2022: $305,300
  • August 2021: $232,469
  • Increase/Decrease: +31.3%
• Total Sales Volume
  • August 2022: $3,660,000
  • August 2021: $3,020,000
  • Increase/Decrease: +21.2%

Columbus County

• New Listings
  • August 2022: 45
  • August 2021: 37
  • Increase/Decrease: +21.6%
• Units Sold
  • August 2022: 32
  • August 2021: 33
  • Increase/Decrease: -3%
• Average Sales Price
  • August 2022: $242,337
  • August 2021: $246,548
  • Increase/Decrease: -1.7%
• Total Sales Volume
  • August 2022: $7,750,000
  • August 2021: $8,140,000
  • Increase/Decrease: -4.8%

Robeson County

• New Listings
  • August 2022: 10
  • August 2021: 13
  • Increase/Decrease: -23.1%
• Units Sold
  • August 2022: 6
  • August 2021: 7
  • Increase/Decrease: -14.3%
• Average Sales Price
  • August 2022: $153,083
  • August 2021: $186,214
  • Increase/Decrease: -17.8%
• Total Sales Volume
  • August 2022: $918,500
  • August 2021: $1,300,000
  • Increase/Decrease: -29.3%

The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR) is the local association level of the largest trade association in the nation, presently serving its members, which are comprised of REALTORS®, Appraisers, and Affiliate Members. For more information, please visit http://www.bcarnc.com.

Last month, Brunswick County's residential real estate market saw its first significant drop in monthly sales volume and increase in inventory so far this year. Total sales volume in October was down 19.5% compared to 2020. The only other month with a drop in total sales volume so far this year is August, which saw a slight 0.7% decrease. The market also saw 135 new listings in October.

"While our market remains ahead of last year's record pace, sales volume was down slightly in October compared to 2020," said BCAR CEO Cynthia Walsh. "Even though some national experts think the market may be in the early stages of a cool-down, Brunswick County's market remains consistent. Prices are up, and homes are selling quickly. We expect our market to remain strong moving into Winter."

Brunswick County saw $210,450,000 in total sales volume in October 2021, a 19.5% decrease from last October's $261,340,000, with luxury sales contributing almost $36,000,000. There were 23 sales in excess of $1 million last month, with the highest being $2.75 million. New listings dropped 6.0% compared to last October, from 662 to 622. The number of units sold decreased 27.3%, from 670 to 487, but pending sales are up 24% over last month. Homes are averaging 30 days on the market, and homes listed below $299,000 are spending 15 days or less on the market. The average sales price increased from $390,062 to $432,131, a 10.8% increase fueled by strong luxury home sales.

The market's year-to-date numbers remain ahead of last year's pace. Total sales volume is up 29.4% compared to 2020, increasing from $1,743,563,000 to $2,255,559,429. Average sales prices are 19.7% higher than 2020, jumping from $328,943 to $393,703. The number of units sold through October is up 10.6%, from 5,175 to 5,723. New listings increased 4.2%, from 6,060 to 6,316.

Brunswick County

New Listings

• October 2021: 622
• October 2020: 662
• Increase/Decrease: -6.0%

Units Sold

• October 2021: 487
• October 2020: 670
• Increase/Decrease: -27.3%

Average Sales Price

• October 2021: $432,131
• October 2020: $390,062
• Increase/Decrease: +10.8%

Median Sales Price

• October 2021: $343,168
• October 2020: $311,500
• Increase/Decrease: +10.2%

Total Sales Volume

• October 2021: $210,450,000
• October 2020: $261,340,000
• Increase/Decrease: -19.5%

Bladen County

New Listings

• October 2021: 9
• October 2020: 9
• Increase/Decrease: 0.0%

Units Sold

• October 2021: 18
• October 2020: 12
• Increase/Decrease: +50.0%

Average Sales Price

• October 2021: $188,289
• October 2020: $134,058
• Increase/Decrease: +40.5%

Total Sales Volume

• October 2021: $3,390,000
• October 2020: $1,610,000
• Increase/Decrease: +110.6%

Columbus County

New Listings

• October 2021: 37
• October 2020: 30
• Increase/Decrease: +23.3%

Units Sold

• October 2021: 29
• October 2020: 23
• Increase/Decrease: +26.1%

Average Sales Price

• October 2021: $192,366
• October 2020: $152,230
• Increase/Decrease: +26.4%

Total Sales Volume

• October 2021: $5,580,000
• October 2020: $3,500,000
• Increase/Decrease: +59.4%

Source: The Brunswick County Association of REALTORS® (BCAR)  http://www.bcarnc.com

Moving comes with a lot of stresses, big and small. For pet owners, making sure your furry friends are safe and sound during the move and adjust well to their new home is a big priority. The good news is, moving with a pet doesn't have to be stressful! Our REALTORS® share 7 tips for relocating with a pet that will make the move much more manageable, and help your pet learn to love your new home.

1. Get them used to the kennel before the move
   If you're using a kennel or pet carrier to move your pet, it's a good idea to make sure they're comfortable inside it. Train them to sleep inside the kennel using treats as a reward. If they love their kennel, being inside it during the trip will make them much more comfortable.
   
   
2. Don't forget to play with your pet as you prepare to move
   It's important to take time out of your day to play with your pet and keep to their routines as moving day approaches. Pets can detect when their owners are stressed about something as significant as moving, and disruptions to their daily schedules might exacerbate their own stress. Taking the time to play with and exercise your pet like you always do will help alleviate their stress and yours.
   
   
3. Stock up on creature comforts
   It's important to make sure your pet has toys to play with, or other objects that can help them destress during the trip. For dogs, chew toys are a good stress reliever; for cats, a favorite blanket, or other item they can sleep on can bring a lot of comfort.
   
   
4. Keep your pet contained until you are fully moved out and in
   When moving it's easy for a pet to slip undetected out of an open door. It's a good idea to keep your pet contained in a large room or yard where you can be assured of their whereabouts until everything has been relocated to a moving van. When moving in, keep your pet in their kennel or in a room that stays shut until everything has been moved.
   
   
5. Pet-proof your new home
   Before letting your pet out into the new home, make sure it's safe. Remove any plants that might be toxic. Only open windows if they have screens that are securely in place. Tape any loose electrical cords to the base of the wall. Lastly, make sure there are no anti-pest poisons or traps lying around the house.
   
   
6. Establish a room where they can acclimate
   Moving into a new house is a lot for a pet to handle. Pick a room and put their bedding down there. For cats, move their litter box and (if you own one) cat tree as well. Give them time to get used to the room; soon they'll get curious about exploring the rest of the house.
   
   
7. Give your pet ample time to explore
   Exploring their new surroundings is essential for a pet who has just moved. Let them explore the house at their leisure. Take your dog on walks that allow them to see as much of the new neighborhood as possible. Once your pet is used to their surroundings, they'll feel right at home.

If you are interested in moving to the Southport area, our agents will help you find your pick of Southport homes for sale, and set you up with the perfect new home for you and your pet. If you want to learn more, contact us!

According to U.S. News & World Report, North Carolina is among the top 10 fastest-growing states in the country. Homes for sale in Brunswick County, with its desirable location and plentiful mix of attractions for all ages, are a driving force behind North Carolina's appeal.

What draws families and individuals from around the country to Brunswick County? Our REALTORS® draw on their experiences helping satisfied home buyers to offer five main reasons for Brunswick County's popularity.

1. Scenic Location
   Sunshine, fresh air and spectacular scenery make coastal areas like Brunswick County the most sought-after places to live. Studies show living near the ocean provides significant benefits for mental and physical health. In addition, Brunswick County's proximity to cities such as Wilmington and Myrtle Beach creates the best of both worlds.
    
2. Pleasant Climate
   Sperling's Best Places gives Brunswick County a score of 76 out of 100 on their Comfort Index, well above the national average of 54. The county also beats the rest of the country with 215 sunny days per year compared to 205, and with an annual average of fewer than two inches, snow is virtually non-existent.
   
   
3. Outdoor Activities
   Even lifelong couch potatoes find it easy to maintain an active lifestyle in Brunswick County. As home to more than 30 championship courses, the county has earned the nickname of North Carolina's "golf coast." Water makes up 20 percent of Brunswick County's square mileage, resulting in numerous opportunities for swimming, water skiing, kayaking, and other aquatic sports.  
   
   
4. Historic Tradition
   Brunswick County's rich heritage dates back to its origin in 1764. Major points of interest for residents and tourists include Old Baldy, the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina, and the USS North Carolina, a majestic battleship that played an important role in World War II. History buffs enjoy touring Fort Anderson and other local Civil War forts. 
   
   
5. Natural Wonders
   While modern life has become increasingly dependent on technology, Brunswick County affords residents many chances to interact with nature on a regular basis. Thanks to a variety of ecosystems in the area, there are plentiful opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting. The unique Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program is a team of volunteers devoted to protecting the sea turtle population and educating people of all ages about the endangered species.

Thanks to its vibrant charm, Brunswick County ranks ninth out of North Carolina's 100 counties in tourism revenues. Imagine having all these features, benefits and attractions as a part of your day-to-day life. Contact us at Margaret Rudd & Associates and let our REALTORS® find you a home in Brunswick County to enjoy for years to come.

It's time to move on. Your family has outgrown your home, you're downsizing, or maybe you're being relocated for work. Whatever the reason, our REALTORS® can help you sell your home and buy another. Buying and selling at the same time isn't always easy. But the good news is you probably learned a lot the first time you bought a house, so you can do this with the help of our real estate pros.

First Steps

Expecting everything to fit perfectly just isn't realistic, so careful preparation and planning is a must. You'll want to make sure you have as much equity in your home as possible. You'll also need funds available to get your home ready to sell and cover temporary rent or other unforeseen circumstances. Decide whether you want to sell first or buy first. Know the market where you live and where you're planning to move to help you strategize.

Reasons to Sell First, Then Buy

• You'll know exactly how much you can spend on your new home.
• In a buyer's market, it may take longer than you thought to sell your home. If you've already purchased your new home that means you're paying the mortgage, utilities, insurance, and upkeep on two homes.
• You can extend the closing date to allow a reasonable amount of time for you to find a new home.

Disadvantages to Selling First

• You have to live somewhere in the meantime. There is usually some time--days, weeks, or even a couple of months--between when you close on the sale of your home and close on the purchase of your new one. You'll have to live somewhere and plus store your belongings. This can also be an issue if repairs have to be made prior to you moving in to your new home.
• If you have to rent in the interim, you're moving twice.
• It may be difficult to re-enter the market. If you end up being between houses long term, you'll need to keep your eye on the markets. If you are looking to buy in an area where there's a seller's market or home prices are rising quickly, the longer it takes you to buy a home, the less you will get for your money. If housing prices are rising faster than you can keep up, you risk getting priced out of the market.

Reasons to Buy First Then Sell

• You won't have the hassle of renting and having to move twice.
• You won't miss out on your dream home or an amazing deal. This may be the way to go if your goal is to relocate to a community where there is a seller's market or prices are rising quickly.
• If it makes sense for you, you have the option of renting out your old home or your new one. You'll want to talk with an accountant or financial advisor and lawyer to make sure you understand the details and that it's feasible for you.

Disadvantages to Buying First

• There's pressure to sell. Financially and emotionally once you've purchased a new home. This means you may end up selling your home for less than you want to.
• As a seller you're vulnerable if there is a sudden drastic market change. This is especially problematic if the home you're trying to sell is in a slow market to begin with.

Ultimately, you'll have to do what makes the most sense for you. Buying and selling at the same time can be tricky but with planning and preparation it can be done. Whether you're looking to buy or sell a home, contact Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc. today.

Brunswick County, North Carolina is one of the top fishing destinations anywhere in the United States. Pier fishing is incredibly popular: There are five well-maintained Brunswick Island piers to choose from.

Many people prefer pier fishing because it's fun and convenient – you don't have to worry about chartering a boat or heading out to the high seas. Those who want to meet like-minded anglers will also find it easier to meet and mingle with others who share their passions.

Fishing season opens in March and lasts all throughout the summer. There's no complicated licensing to worry about when you decide to go pier fishing: You can handle all the technicalities when you get your day pass, weekly pass, or season pass to the pier of your choice.

Although the fish on offer vary by month, the area is known for some of the very best redfish and flounder fishing anywhere on the eastern seaboard.

If you're paying a visit to the area, you won't want to miss these piers:

1. Holden Beach Pier, 441 Ocean Blvd West, Holden Beach
   Holden Beach Pier is the family favorite thanks to amenities like a grill, snack counter, and full campground. You can get anything from breakfast to hot dogs and fries, and it's found right on one of the area's best beaches. Fish include speckled trout, flounder, king mackerel, and more.
   
   
2. Oak Island Pier, 705 Ocean Drive, Oak Island
   Oak Island Pier is known for both its pro shop in the pier house and its welcoming restaurant: The Flying Fish Cafe. The Cafe has stayed open, offering its signature mahi-mahi taco, while the pier itself continues to undergo a hotly anticipated renovation. Some of the biggest catches around happened here!
   
   
3. Ocean Crest Pier, 1409 E. Beach Drive, Oak Island
   Experienced anglers will love the Ocean Crest Pier approach to fishing: The pier includes its own live bait tank available to the community. There's also an on-site weather station. The almost 900-foot pier was voted most popular in North Carolina by Fisherman's Post.
   
   
4. Ocean Isle Pier, 1 West 1st Street, Ocean Isle Beach
   Ocean Isle Pier offers a great full-service experience that has virtually everything you could want, including rentals, live bait, rods and tackle, and even a selection of fine ice cream. Fishing fees are just $9 per rod and kids under six can join in the fun for just fifty cents.
   
   
5. Sunset Beach Pier, 101 W. Main Street, Sunset Beach
   Sunset Beach Pier features a popular snack bar as well as an air-conditioned game room where you cool off and relax. It is one of the most popular piers in summer, but it can always offer a tasty seafood meal. This is the best pier for disabled guests, as it offers accessible features and free scooter chairs.

Brunswick County home buyers and homeowners alike love to while away a day landing great catches at their preferred pier. Our REALTORS® can help you find the best catch of them all: Your Brunswick area dream home. Contact Margaret Rudd & Associates, Inc. to get started.