Market Update
Join us for one of Southport’s good times: Christmas by the Sea starting December 2
Peter says…
How low can you go? It does seem to be the way the markets react to the smallest tidbit of economic news. In fairness, we are starting to see some upswings in response to positive developments, and it’s good to take some heart in that. The wild swings, like that midnight Thanksgiving turkey sandwich, are making us all just a little queasy.
There’s some comfort in Brunswick County real estate. Slow but steady continues to be our read of the market.
The figures tell the story. Homes are staying on the market longer but selling prices remain very healthy. Buyers have great inventory and there are still deals to be had. Sellers need patience but there is reason for hope.
Here are the figures for the past two weeks:
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69 homes have sold or are pending sale.
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47.4% of the homes sold were on the market for 0-120 days, and 52.5% for over 120 days.
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Homes on the market 0-30 days brought 96.9% of listing price while those on the market for 120 days or more brought a still-healthy 92.7%.
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17 homesites have sold or are pending sale.
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60% were on the market for 120 days or more, 20% were on the market 91-120 days and 20% for 61-90 days.
Of course, we have more facts and figures. Give us a call or drop an email. Meantime, take some comfort in the market here. The deals are great, and you won’t get queasy about this investment!
Our best to you and yours for the holiday week…
--Peter Heck, Broker-in-Charge
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The figures back up what we have already seen consistently for the past 8 weeks: that savvy buyers know prices like this won't be seen again and now is the time to buy.
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Real estate does not have the wild swings of other investments. The market is slow to react on both an upswing and a downswing.
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Affordability is what buyers are looking for, and it's what they are finding. The average house price for September was in the $267,000 range. This average range brings a permanent home, vacation property or investment out of the dream category and into reality.
Take a look at the sampling below of affordable coastal Carolina homes from our agents, and visit our website for more. We have nearly 80 homes and homesites for sale -- be part of the trend while the prices are still good and mortgage money is readily available to qualified buyers.
Planning a Visit? The 2008 NC Oyster Festival is October 18-19!
OUR MARKET UPDATE: PETER SAYS...
Three Rivers Realty Headlines
Three Rivers Realty now has 65 listings of homes and land in Brunswick County! Browse through at http://www.threeriversrealtync.com/. Among our featured listings:
The Oak Island Planning Board is sending a recommendation to the town council to keep future condominium development to a minimum.
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Bald Head Island recorded 102 loggerhead turtle nests this year, more than double last year, making the season the best one in nine years on the island.
Peter’s Market Update
Money man Jim Cramer said on his show this week that the best looking investment right is real estate.
Brunswick County numbers bear him out.
Let’s talk a few numbers in a market snapshot of Brunswick County homes and land:
· 20% of homes and land marked as “Sold” in the first two weeks of September were within 90-94.9% of asking price
· 27% were within 95-99.9% of asking price
· 35% were within 100% or more of asking price
What does this mean?
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82% of homes and land are selling within 90-100% of asking price
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Properties in Brunswick County are well priced and continue to present great value for the dollar
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Activity represents a period of time that is not even the height of selling season in coastal North Carolina
What the numbers tell us right now is that it continues to be a buyers market with great inventory, good mortgage rates and steady prices. Even more important is that value continues to hold on a real estate investment.
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Update on Oak Island Bridge
Brunswick County, NC
July 30, 2008

Along with "why the sky is blue," one of those curious child-questions is how a bridge gets built into the water. Okay, maybe it's not just a child's question! The engineering feat is amazing, and more than a passing interest to those of us who live in Brunswick County.
This photo of the so-called "second" Oak Island bridge was just taken and yes, indeed, the project is right on schedule. What does that mean? It means great property opportunities for both homes and land near the bridge on Oak Island, making Wilmington and Myrtle Beach even closer when you choose to leave paradise. It means another access for those who live in Seawatch, St James, Riversea and other plantations.
Now is the perfect time to buy. Why? Because the prognosticators predict a turn-around just as the bridge is finished, and the prices will start going up.
And by the way, the blue of a Carolina sky defies description, but who cares. It brings such a sense of wonder and well-being that we don't really care why it's blue!
Thanks,
Allyn & Peter Heck, Broker/Owners -- AHeck@ec.rr.com
www.ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Toll-free: 866.908.4325
611 N. Howe St.
Southport, NC 28461
Our agents:
Jim Clary, Broker -- Jim@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Judy Clary, Broker -- Judy@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Allen Phillips, Broker -- Allen@AllenPhillipsHomes.com
Bob Quinn, Broker -- Bob@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Pamela Quinn, Broker -- Pamela@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Charlene Snyder, Broker -- MaryChar@ec.rr.com
Quality of Life Series
Brunswick County, NC
July 23, 2008
This is the first in our Quality of Life Series. On the fourth Wednesday of every month, you will receive a snapshot of what makes life here different from where you live now.
We are starting with the waterfront of Southport. Only in the last twenty years has Southport transformed from a small quiet fishing village to a town of unique shops, historic homes, and affordable condos. One thing that hasn't changed? The waterfront is still the center of life here. I think you will agree that our town really does look like a picture postcard. Hope you enjoy our gallery of Southport on the Water.







Allyn & Peter Heck, Broker/Owners -- AHeck@ec.rr.com
www.ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Toll-free: 866.908.4325
611 N. Howe St.
Southport, NC 28461
Our agents:
Jim Clary, Broker -- Jim@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Judy Clary, Broker -- Judy@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Allen Phillips, Broker -- Allen@AllenPhillipsHomes.com
Bob Quinn, Broker -- Bob@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Pamela Quinn, Broker -- Pamela@ThreeRiversRealtyNC.com
Charlene Snyder, Broker -- MaryChar@ec.rr.com
