http://irenakohler.com/blog/categoryname_waterfront-community/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ Wilmington is an exceptionally affordable area to live, particularly when you consider how many homes are just minutes from the beach. With a median home price of just $128,400, the Wilmington area is a steal, compared to other major metropolitan areas on the East Coast. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to set up your dream home on the shores of the Atlantic or a retiree looking for the perfect oceanfront vacation spot, the Wilmington area doesn't disappoint.How Wilmington Compares to Other Beachfront LocationsWhen searching for a beachfront property in Wilmington, it's important to keep in mind the cost of living in other cities with an ocean view. While you should still be prepared to shell out a bit more than an area's median home price for a beachfront getaway property, Wilmington seems like a sweet deal when you look at the median home prices in other major metropolitan areas and oceanfront towns on the East Coast. For example, the median home price in Ocean City, Maryland is $285,000 - $156,600 more than Wilmington.  Atlantic City, New Jersey is $289,000 –  $160,000 more than Wilmington. And the prices only continue to rise. A home in Charleston, SC averages $325,000 – $196,000 more than Wilmington. And Miami tops out the charts at $398,000 – $296,600 more than the Wilmington, North Carolina region.  And those are just the prices for average homes, with waterfront properties averaging more than double the median prices for those areas.While it would be unfair to compare all of these cities directly based on varying populations and the wildly different flavors and cultures each city has, a cursory glance shows that beachfront properties in Wilmington are a bargain.Buying Waterfront Property in WilmingtonThere's no shortage of waterfront property in the Wilmington, NC area. You have your choice of the beach proper, bordering right on the Atlantic Ocean. But you also have the option of shopping for property along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). The ICW is an inland waterway system that leads directly to the ocean, but provides a bit of a buffer against the weather hazards of sea-front living while still providing you with a spectacular view of - and access to - the water.For a true beachfront experience, though, you'll need to look outside the city limits of Wilmington proper and into the adjacent areas. Some are more expensive than others, but luxury for less can still be found with enough time and the help of a dedicated realtor.Oak Island, North Carolina Beachfront HomesIf small town living is your speed, take a look at Oak Island, North Carolina. With a population of just under 7,000, Oak Island is a small coastal barrier island in Brunswick County, a mere 30 miles away from downtown Wilmington. With median home prices averaging $220,000, it's easy to find the home of your dreams for $400,000 or less on Oak Island, with just $300,000 able to net you a 3-bedroom waterfront view in move-in condition.If you're looking for even more peace and seclusion, check out homes in the nearby unincorporated town of Supply, North Carolina. With similar housing prices and an oceanfront view comparable to Oak Island’s, a home in Supply affords you tranquility and privacy with few neighbors and even fewer distractions.Sneads Ferry, North CarolinaAbout 45 miles north of Wilmington sits the up-and-coming community of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Located in Onslow County, near Jacksonville, Sneads Ferry has experienced a surge of growth in recent years, with an 80 percent increase in population between 2000 and 2014. Even with all that growth, beachfront property is still plentiful and available in this town, nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. A 3-bedroom home overlooking the water in Sneads Ferry will run $350,000 or less. With easy access to both Jacksonville and Wilmington, and its proximity to nearby Camp Lejeune, homes in the Sneads Ferry area are well-situated for all the activities the North Carolina coast has to offer. Home owners can embrace Sneads Ferry's own tight-knit community, or travel a short distance for all the attractions of large city living, but the biggest draw is the ocean itself, with all the opportunities for boating, sporting, swimming, surfing and watching the wildlife come and go in your own yard.Topsail Beach, North CarolinaThe towns of Topsail Beach and North Topsail Beach, North Carolina are just shy of 50 miles away from Wilmington. As the name implies, these towns sit right on the beach. With their own amenities and local flavor, separate from that of Wilmington, these tiny towns will transport you into a quiet haven of oceanfront living. With median home prices around $210,000, beachfront property with 3 bedrooms or more can be had for between $350,000 and $400,000. Both towns are separate from the mainland of North Carolina, which adds travel time in getting to Wilmington. If you'd prefer not to live on an island, you can plant your roots in nearby Hampstead, North Carolina. With prices comparable to those in Topsail Beach, Hampstead is just 23 miles from downtown Wilmington and borders on Topsail Beach (but still a good 20 mile drive away, owing to bridge access to the Topsail Beach area).Beachfront Living for Less in Wilmington, North CarolinaWhen shopping for beachfront property in the Wilmington, NC area, you should prioritize your list of needs. Knowing how much home you want, what your budget is and how far away from Wilmington proper you're willing to live are important. Working with a qualified realtor can expedite the process and keep you abreast of the latest homes on the market that meet your criteria. Don't settle for a bargain beach home you don't love – with an ever-changing market in Wilmington, a little extra time waiting and working with your realtor can turn up the perfect oceanfront home for you.  http://irenakohler.com/blog/1961/beach-homes-in-wilmington/ Mon, 13 Jun 2016 12:00:00 -0500 Choosing the perfect beach home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience, especially if you know which area most attracts you. Consider southeastern North Carolina, for example. With miles of diverse coastline features, zeroing in on the perfect locale can be a challenge. But a growing number of potential homeowners have decided it’s the perfect area for them, due in part to the long stretches of pristine sand and various, charming beach communities along the coast.As with any home or investment property purchase, it’s important to figure out exactly what you want and need, in order to make smart decisions. For example, special considerations are necessary with beachfront homes, in order to ensure that your property will suit your lifestyle and let you enjoy the activities you love. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect beach home for your needs.Find the Ideal BeachMost beaches offer a relaxing getaway for homeowners, but there can be significant differences between beaches and beach towns – so you should choose your home accordingly. Do you prefer quaint and unique communities with a family-friendly vibe or towns with a more vibrant night life and a lively seasonal tourist presence? Spend some time in the area before choosing a home. Vacationing in an area a time or two really isn’t enough to know if you want to buy a beach home there. It’s important to do your research when deciding where to buy.Talk to the LocalsTake the time to talk to people who live in the community or along the beach you like to get their opinions on what it’s like to live there. Long-time residents are excellent sounding boards about the pros and cons of both the beach and the community. Speaking with potential neighbors can give you some great insight, especially if you’re considering a property in a gated community. Do they enjoy living in the community? Are there issues with the area or are there waterfront-related problems? In addition to your real estate agent, getting insider information from local residents is invaluable when deciding on a property to purchase.How Will You Use the Property?If you plan on living in your beach home full time, it’s important to choose a property that makes it easy for you and your family to enjoy your favorite outdoor pastimes and local amenities, while also taking into consideration winter weather patterns and available activities. Many beach communities offer various off-season amenities for residents to enjoy when they’re not spending the day at the beach.Consider the must-haves you’re looking for: do you prefer a more isolated location on a private beach with a deep water dock for larger boats? Maybe you’d like a home with easy access to a yacht club, golf course or local restaurants and entertainment. If you’re interested solely in a vacation or investment home, finding one close to local amenities should narrow your search.Besides ensuring easy access to your favorite activities, a beach property should meet your specific needs as well, including shopping outlets, schools, medical facilities or airports. Looking at PropertiesIf you've chosen the perfect area for your property search, it’s time to look at specific properties and the houses built on them. Beachfront property is generally more sought after – as a result, it’s not unusual for the land value to significantly increase the total property value. Consider the location of the property, the amount of beach frontage it offers and the overall size of the lot or acreage – do you prefer privacy or do you enjoy having neighbors? While 100 feet of private beachfront allows for some privacy, depending on the amount of natural and landscaped vegetation on the property, more than 150 feet can offer you the occasional illusion of living on a private island.  Always make sure each property already has an adequate seawall and a dock, as extending a dock or adding a seawall commonly requires going through a tedious series of red tape with no guarantee that your changes will get a green light.Rely on the ProfessionalsWith all of the considerations that go into buying a beach home, having a real estate agent who specializes in waterfront properties in your ideal area is crucial. Your agent not only knows the area intimately, he or she can help you sort through the complex issues and get you on the right track to finding the right home.They can provide you with the most recent trends and help you through the entire home buying process, including deciphering the home inspection and providing information on property taxes and responsibilities. In addition to locating hidden problems or costs you may not have otherwise discovered, their experience gives them a great understanding of what a good local deal looks like.For many people, buying a beach home is the ultimate real estate experience – often as much about the lifestyle as it is an investment in the future.  http://irenakohler.com/blog/1869/5-tips-for-finding-the-perfect-beach-home/ Wed, 02 Mar 2016 12:00:00 -0500 For most people, the disconnect between their dream-life on a sunlit beach and reality is a common experience. The most favorable way to deal with this phenomenon is to make that move to live the life you’ve always imagined. Living in a waterfront property along the beautiful southeastern North Carolina coast offers numerous social benefits in addition to unforgettable ocean views and outdoor activities. Full-time residents also enjoy bonding with other residents and neighbors. Strong friendships developed in beach communities can often last a lifetime, which makes living in such a community more enjoyable. There is usually someone who will go fishing or to the beach with you, join you for cocktails or play a round or two of tennis.Those new to beach living learn fast to take full advantage of the area in the off-season by immersing themselves in the local history and culture, visiting entertainment venues and enjoying holiday celebrations. Tourist areas, particularly, are far less crowded during the off-season, which means that the popular shops and best restaurants will be less congested than during peak beach season. Living in a beach town year-round means truly becoming a local.Making an oceanfront property or quaint beach community home your permanent residence doesn’t just mean living in an incredible area – it usually means a permanently enjoyable lifestyle change. The only problem might be deciding on which of our area's unique beach areas to live. North Carolina's Cape Fear Coast includes historically rich Wilmington and the seacoast communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, the gorgeous Oak Island and Holden Beach.  All of the beautiful beaches feature very different personalities, but between them, they something for everyone!  The nearby estuarine reserves provide a truly delightful experience for sun-seekers, beachcombers and nature lovers. We offer a real sportsman's paradise for anglers, mariners and all sorts of water sports enthusiasts.WilmingtonWilmington, built on a peninsula between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, is the urban hub of the coastal region, featuring a wonderful combination of history, natural and architectural beauty and growth. Downtown Wilmington faces the river, which meanders further south to the Atlantic Ocean. The famed river was originally used as a vital shipping artery for the region, and now features beautiful historical and modern homes and areas for fishing and pleasure boating.Wilmington’s famed mile-long Riverwalk brings the city right to the edge of the river. It’s lined with fine restaurants, unique specialty shops, arts and entertainment venues and a lively social scene. Horse drawn carriages travel cobblestone streets under towering oaks.On the east side of Wilmington, the popular Wrightsville Beach is an easy drive over the Causeway and Intracoastal Waterway. Despite featuring long, white beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, this area, which does host a healthy tourist trade during the summer, is primarily a quiet community with a wide variety of real estate options to choose from. Kure BeachIf you prefer a peaceful, small town atmosphere away from the bustle of a city, Kure Beach provides the perfect setting and a relaxed pace for you and your family to reconnect in this natural area. Home to the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast, Kure Beach offers an oceanfront park, a nearby state aquarium and beautiful natural surroundings. If local history is of interest to you, the historic Fort Fisher, originally built in the 1700s, kept North Carolina's port of nearby Wilmington open to blockade-runners supplying necessary goods to Confederate armies inland.  The partially restored site offers tours and historical exhibits, as well as also housing the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology headquarters. At the southern end of Fort Fisher is the Fort Fisher-Southport Ferry and a public boat launch area, which offers opportunities for parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking and fishing.Kure Beach is primarily a residential area, with available homes ranging from impressive private estates to cozy, yet well-appointed oceanfront condominiums. The average number of year-round residents is slightly more than 2,000, many of whom volunteer to protect the nests of endangered loggerhead turtles from June until August, when the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the sea.Carolina BeachPristine and beautiful, Carolina Beach offers awe-inspiring ocean views and privacy, due in part to being bordered to the west by the Cape Fear River, to the north by the Snows Cut Bridge and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.  This quaint, family-friendly town is said to embody coastal Americana. With slightly more than 6,000 permanent residents in the entire area, the miles of wide, clean beaches dotted with natural sand dunes means classic beach living. The atmosphere is relaxed, the weather is inviting and the range of leisurely, outdoor activities is plentiful. During the peak season, the population of the town itself often triples in size, but serenity remains constant on the beach – from the host of stately luxury homes to the quaint, yet charming cottages scattered along the coastline. Bald Head IslandIf you prefer almost total privacy, there’s a treasure located just two miles off North Carolina’s southern coast. Bald Head Island, one of the East Coast’s most immaculate and environmentally-conscious beach communities, is accessible only by private boat or the passenger ferry, which leaves every hour on the hour. The island offers more than 14 miles of pristine beaches facing both east and west, allowing you to experience breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. The island also features about 10,000 acres of tidal creeks and salt marshes, all of which offer a natural area for exploring, kayaking and fishing.Newer homes on the island capture the best of Southern architecture, including gracious porches, ample windows, high ceilings and even screened-in sleeping porches. For those who prefer to design and build their own homes, there are beachfront properties of varying sizes available. http://irenakohler.com/blog/1856/making-the-beach-your-permanent-home/ Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:00:00 -0500 River Bluffs, a new gated waterfront community along the Cape Fear River in Castle Hayne, is preparing for its inaugural property release scheduled to happen in March 2014. Located off Chair Road, the 313 acres being developed for the new community are full of beautiful hardwoods and amazing wildlife. 100 acres will be reserved for green space and nature preserves. Plus, with 3,000 feet of navigable river frontage, every resident will have direct access and plenty of gorgeous river views! In total, the community will have 750 single-family home sites with 221 available during phase 1. Homes will have southern architectural details (see example home rendering) and will be priced between $300,000 and $500,000 (lot included), and higher. Lots will range between 1/4 and 1/3 an acre, and will be landscaped with native plants. Most importantly, River Bluffs is a low-impact development utilizing techniques that prevent soil contamination, poor water drainage, and excessive destruction of the surrounding ecosystem.Recently, River Bluffs was approved for a 143 boat slip marina, of which 15 slips and a t-dock will be available during phase 1. The initial phase will also include a river club, riverside park, pool, general store, post office, boat ramp, and kayak launch. Later phases will include more parks, nature trails, a fitness center, and an organic farm that residents will be able to use.For more information about River Bluffs, ask your Sea Coast real estate agent. Don’t have an agent? Contact River Bluff’s onsite agent, Meredith Jackson.  Meghan Riley http://irenakohler.com/blog/1356/new-waterfront-community!-river-bluffs-–-castle-hayne-nc/ Tue, 14 Jan 2014 12:00:00 -0500