Date Archives: February 2020

It's lovely to have a vacation home as a getaway, but sometimes circumstances change, and it's time to move on. It takes some work, but with a little research, selling your vacation home can be a liberating experience. Our real estate agents often advise clients on how selling a vacation home can be different than putting your permanent home on the market. These tips can make the process run smoothly and help you get more bang for your buck when it comes to selling a vacation home.  

1. Find out the Best Time of Year to Sell
   Depending on the location and type of property, it may be much easier to sell your vacation home during certain times of the year. For example, Southport homes for sale are scooped up much faster in the spring and summer because it's a coastal town that's bustling during these months. Although there is more competition, there are also more potential buyers, which can help you sell faster and make more money. If you own a condo or timeshare, make sure to check with the HOA or timeshare company to find out if there are any restrictions on when and how you sell your vacation home. It's also a good idea to speak to your accountant or attorney about the tax implications of selling your vacation home.
2. Find an Experienced Agent
   The seasonal/vacation home market can be very different than real estate markets in other areas. Look for a knowledgeable real estate agent who has a proven track record of success in helping clients successfully buy and sell vacation homes. A well-established local agent should also provide references and understand the multifaceted aspects of the area and what buyers are looking for. An excellent real estate agent will also advise you on how to appropriately prepare and price your vacation home to make it sell.
3. Price it Right
   Check out recent sales of comparable homes in the area to see how much they sold for. Make sure you take into consideration location, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and amenities like a fenced-in yard. Some people looking to buy vacation homes are interested in purchasing a house that's furnished. Ask your real estate agent about how to add furnishings to the overall cost.
4. Clean it Up
   Getting ready to sell is the perfect time to declutter and clean your house from top to bottom. Make sure to make any minor repairs and do affordable updates like new cabinet and drawer hardware in the kitchen and new lighting fixtures. Have carpets professionally cleaned and paint all rooms a neutral color such as beige, cream, or greige. If any major repairs need to be done, it's a must to take care of them before you put your house on the market. Once it's all cleaned up, stage it for photos and listing.
5. Create Curb Appeal
   Now that the inside of your vacation home looks all pretty and clean give the outside some attention. Cut the grass, pull weeds, and trim hedges and trees, so it all looks neat and tidy. Adding splashes of color with pots of vibrant flowers and a new welcome mat will make the outside pop.

Are you looking to buy or sell a vacation home in Brunswick County? Our real estate professionals have you covered. Contact us to get started.

Since the 1980's, the Brunswick Islands, Southport, Wilmington, and other local areas have been prime locations to shoot major motion-picture films and televisions shows. Southport and surrounding areas are often affectionately referred to as "Hollywood East." It's easy to see why film history has been made here—the area's natural beauty, architecture, walkability, proximity to the water, and picturesque sights make it the perfect place to shoot stunning scenes. Not only that, the cost of shooting on location in Southport allows lower-budget and indie filmmakers to get more for their money. Next time you're out taking a stroll or looking at Southport homes for sale, check out some of these popular production spots.

Wilmington

Best-selling author and screenwriter Nicholas Sparks loves the coastal towns of North Carolina. Based on his novel by the same name, the film Safe Haven was shot in Wilmington, Southport, and throughout the Brunswick Islands in 2012. This romantic thriller brings the story of lovers Katie and Alex to life against a beautiful backdrop, including the Wilmington Riverwalk.

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Making new friends can be tough, especially when you are new in town. Our real estate agents share some tips for meeting people in your new community. Trying these fun ways to connect might take you out of your comfort zone and into some friendships that last a lifetime.

Ask Around

If you're looking at Southport homes for sale but wondering how you'll make new friends in the area, ask your current friends if they know anyone who lives or works in the local beach towns. There is lots to do, so reach out and say hello! 

Join a Gym or Exercise Class

Gyms often have members who are part of a supportive, encouraging community. Working toward your fitness goals will also make you feel good about yourself, and in the process, you might just gain a few friends who will also be your cheerleaders. If a gym is not your style, you may want to join a local sports league or try a yoga class to branch out and network with others.

Shop Local

Spending time chatting with local business owners can help you build a sense of community, even if you're new to town. Most business owners and their employees love getting to know their customers, so become a regular at the farmer's market, the diner down the street, or hit your local bar for a drink once in a while. You just might strike up interesting conversations with other patrons as well.

Check out Coffee Shops

Coffee shops are often the heart of the neighborhood or a small town. If you want to get to know your neighbors, spend some time chatting with the local baristas, grab a table, and settle in for some people watching. The other thing that's critical to check out is the bulletin board or table full of flyers in your local coffee shop. That way, you can get the scoop on local interest groups and cool events.

Attend Cultural Events 

One of the best ways to meet new friends is to participate in local food, music, and arts festivals. The vibe at festivals in and around the Brunswick Islands is usually communal and casual, which makes it easy to strike up conversations with those around you. Not only that, if a festival is specific to something you like, you'll probably meet some people who share other common interests, too! Check out your town's chamber of commerce website or peruse the local paper to find out what's going on.

Get Outside

Nature's not only good for the body and soul, but it's also a great way to meet people who share common interests. Do you have a dog? If the answer's yes, get to your local dog park to meet new furry friends and their humans. Or take some time to meander along the beach and settle down in the sand with a good book. Who knows, maybe someone will ask what you're reading and invite you to join their book club….where you can meet even more new friends!

Are you ready to take the leap and find the Southport home of your dreams? Our skilled real estate professionals at Margaret Rudd & Associates can help. Contact us to learn more today.

Our real estate agents want to introduce you to breathtaking Brunswick County.

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is one of the most picturesque locales in the region. In a prime spot in the southeast corner of the state, not far from famous Wilmington, it encompasses 855 scenic square miles, including 50 miles of beautiful shore.

Southport homes for sale provide the best way to enjoy everything Brunswick has to offer. A town of just over 3,000 people, Southport is known as the backdrop to many movies and TV shows. It's also the site of the 50,000-strong Fourth of July Festival.

Thinking about calling this beach town your home? Let's look at nine reasons you'll love to live in Brunswick County:

1. A Dynamic Place With a Great Economy
   

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