Appliance Buying Guide: Water Heaters

Article From HouseLogic.com


By: Joe Bousquin


Published: June 14, 2010


When it's time to replace your water heater, you'll find a wide array of high-efficiency models offering big energy savings.

Since hot water accounts for as much as 25% of your home's energy use, when your water heater dies, the replacement you choose will have a big impact on your monthly bills. New technologies make many of today's models far more energy efficient than that old tank you're getting rid of. Some of the greenest options are tankless units that heat water on demand, but even conventional water heaters--the classic metal cylinders that are by far the most popular in the U.S.--have gotten less expensive to operate.

Water heater basics
Most households need a 50-gallon tank, according to Jeff Haney, a product manager at manufacturer Rheem. That'll cost $900 to $2,000, installed, depending on which model you choose. Your plumber will put it where the old tank was, with the cold water supply pipe attached at the bottom of the tank and a hot water outlet pipe on top.



Inside the tank, a thermostat constantly assesses the water temperature and fires up a heating mechanism when it falls below the desired setting (120 degrees is standard). When you turn on a hot water tap, heated water flows from the tank and gets replaced by more cold water from the supply line below.



To do this work, water heaters use electricity, oil, or natural gas. Choosing a new water heater that uses the same fuel type as your old unit is the easiest way to keep replacement costs down, says contractor Andy Wargo of Marcellus, N.Y.

What to look for on the label
Within each fuel type, you'll find a range of models and price points. To compare, look for these key differences, marked right on the label:

First Hour Rating is a measure of how many gallons the unit can produce in one hour (which is more than its tank capacity since it starts making more hot water as soon as you draw some out). With the average shower using 20 gallons of water, a shave using a couple more, and washing breakfast dishes another 5 to 10, a busy family might need an FHR of 60 to 70 gallons to handle the morning rush. Your plumber can help you analyze your needs.



Energy Factor tells you how efficiently the unit operates. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit, and the less it will cost to run. In 2010, the highest EF units qualify for a 30% federal tax credit up to $1,500 for the purchase price and installation costs--as well as state credits and local utility rebates.

Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for local details.



Here's a breakdown of your basic water heater options from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy:

Water Heater Type	Installed Cost	Yearly Energy Cost	Life (years)	Total Cost (over 13 Years)
Conventional gas	$850	$350	13	$5,394
High-efficiency gas	$1,025	$323	13	$5,220
Conventional electric	$750	$463	13	$6,769
High-efficiency electric	$820	$439	13	$6,528
Conventional oil [there are no high-efficiency oil options at this time]	$1,100	$230	8	$4,777

High-efficiency options
Three types of tank heaters are eligible for the federal tax credit: high-efficiency gas, gas condensing, and electric heat pumps. Ask for a Manufacturers Certification Statement from your retailer. If it doesn't provide one, the model doesn't qualify.



High-efficiency gas storage: These are just like standard gas water heaters, but with more efficient burners, better insulation, and other upgrades that make them about 7.5% more efficient, saving the average household about $30 a year. Costs for high-efficiency gas tank water heaters start around $850 (about $175 more than a conventional gas tank unit), plus around $200 for installation (the same as a conventional unit). As long as it has an EF rating of 0.82 or higher, it qualifies for a 30% tax credit in 2010.



Gas condensing: To achieve even higher efficiency, these systems vent the exhaust from the gas burner back through a closed system of coils inside the tank, allowing the water to absorb heat that would otherwise escape up the chimney, explains Potomac, Md., contractor Jay Irwin. That makes them about a third more efficient than conventional tanks, for savings of about $100 a year for a typical household. Energy Star models, which will hit the market in mid-2010, have an EF of at least 0.8 and qualify for the 30% tax credit in 2010.



Gas condensing units are expensive--around $1,600. And because they produce condensation as the exhaust cools, they need a special drain to discharge the runoff, pushing installation costs up to around $400.



Electric heat pumps: Heat-pump models work like air conditioners, by pulling heat out of the surrounding air. But rather than exhausting the heat outside like an air conditioner, they concentrate it and pump it into the water tank. As a result, they use 55% less energy than traditional electric water heaters and qualify for the tax credit in 2010 if they have a minimum EF rating of 2.0. Since these utilize ambient heat in the air, they produce the biggest year-round energy savings in hot climates.



You'll pay around $1,400, or three times what a conventional electric unit costs, but you could save $300 a year in energy costs, meaning it will pay for itself in about three years. Throw in the 30% federal tax credit, or $420, and you'll recoup your investment even faster.



Joe Bousquin's work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger's Personal Finance and Men's Journal. His 80-year-old home in Sacramento, Calif., has a conventional gas-fired water heater--for now.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

7 Tips for a Profitable Home Closing

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko


Published: February 10, 2010


Be sure you're walking away with all the money you're entitled to from the sale of your home.

When you're ready to close on the sale of your home and move to your new home, you may be so close to the finish line that you coast, thinking there's nothing left for you to do. Not so fast. It's easy to waste a few dollars here and for mistakes to creep into your closing documents there, all adding up to a bundle of lost profit. Spot money-losing problems with these seven tips.

1. Take services out of your name
Avoid a dispute with the buyers after closing over things like fees for the cable service you forgot to discontinue. Contact every utility and service provider to end or transfer service to your new address as of the closing date.



If you're on an automatic-fill schedule for heating oil or propane, don't pay for a pre-closing refill that provides free fuel for the new owner. Contact your insurer to terminate coverage on your old home, get coverage on your new home, and ask whether you're entitled to a refund of prepaid premium.

2. Spread the word on your change of address
Provide the post office with your forwarding address two to four weeks before the closing. Also notify credit card companies, publication subscription departments, friends and family, and your financial institutions of your new address.

3. Manage the movers
Scrutinize your moving company's estimate. If you're making a long-distance move, which is often billed according to weight, note the weight of your property and watch so the movers don't use excessive padding to boost the weight. Also check with your homeowners insurer about coverage for your move. Usually movers cover only what they pack.

4. Do the settlement math
Title company employees are only human, so they can make mistakes. The day before your closing, check the math on your HUD-1 Settlement Statement.

5. Review charges on your settlement statement
Are all mortgages being paid off, and are the payoff amounts correct? If your real estate agent promised you extras-such as a discounted commission or a home warranty policy-make sure that's included. Also check whether your real estate agent or title company added fees that weren't disclosed earlier. If any party suggests leaving items off the settlement statement, consult a lawyer about whether that might expose you to legal risk.

6. Search for missing credits
Be sure the settlement company properly credited you for prepaid expenses, such as property taxes and homeowners association fees, if applicable. If you've prepaid taxes for the year, you're entitled to a credit for the time you no longer own the home. Have you been credited for heating oil or propane left in the tank?

7. Don't leave money in escrow
End your home sale closing with nothing unresolved. Make sure the title company releases money already held in escrow for you, and avoid leaving sales proceeds in a new escrow to be dickered over later.

Other web resources

Closing: steps to house-selling success

Closing costs explained

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has survived several closings. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

6 Tips for Choosing the Best Offer for Your Home

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko


Published: February 10, 2010


Have a plan for reviewing purchase offers so you don't let the best slip through your fingers.

You've worked hard to get your home ready for sale and to price it properly. With any luck, offers will come quickly. You'll need to review each carefully to determine its strengths and drawbacks and pick one to accept. Here's a plan for evaluating offers.

1. Understand the process
All offers are negotiable, as your agent will tell you. When you receive an offer, you can accept it, reject it, or respond by asking that terms be modified, which is called making a counteroffer.

2. Set baselines
Decide in advance what terms are most important to you. For instance, if price is most important, you may need to be flexible on your closing date. Or if you want certainty that the transaction won't fall apart because the buyer can't get a mortgage, require a prequalified or cash buyer.

3. Create an offer review process
If you think your home will receive multiple offers, work with your agent to establish a time frame during which buyers must submit offers. That gives your agent time to market your home to as many potential buyers as possible, and you time to review all the offers you receive.

4. Don't take offers personally
Selling your home can be emotional. But it's simply a business transaction, and you should treat it that way. If your agent tells you a buyer complained that your kitchen is horribly outdated, justifying a lowball offer, don't be offended. Consider it a sign the buyer is interested and understand that those comments are a negotiating tactic. Negotiate in kind.

5. Review every term
Carefully evaluate all the terms of each offer. Price is important, but so are other terms. Is the buyer asking for property or fixtures-such as appliances, furniture, or window treatments-to be included in the sale that you plan to take with you?



Is the amount of earnest money the buyer proposes to deposit toward the downpayment sufficient? The lower the earnest money, the less painful it will be for the buyer to forfeit those funds by walking away from the purchase if problems arise.



Have the buyers attached a prequalification or pre-approval letter, which means they've already been approved for financing? Or does the offer include a financing or other contingency? If so, the buyers can walk away from the deal if they can't get a mortgage, and they'll take their earnest money back, too. Are you comfortable with that uncertainty?



Is the buyer asking you to make concessions, like covering some closing costs? Are you willing, and can you afford to do that? Does the buyer's proposed closing date mesh with your timeline?



With each factor, ask yourself: Is this a deal breaker, or can I compromise to achieve my ultimate goal of closing the sale?

6. Be creative
If you've received an unacceptable offer through your agent, ask questions to determine what's most important to the buyer and see if you can meet that need. You may learn the buyer has to move quickly. That may allow you to stand firm on price but offer to close quickly. The key to successfully negotiating the sale is to remain flexible.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has survived several closings. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

6 Reasons to Reduce Your Home Price

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko


Published: March 19, 2010


While you'd like to get the best price for your home, consider our six reasons to reduce your home price.

Home not selling? That could happen for a number of reasons you can't control, like a unique home layout or having one of the few homes in the neighborhood without a garage. There is one factor you can control: your home price.

These six signs may be telling you it's time to lower your price.

1. You're drawing few lookers
You get the most interest in your home right after you put it on the market because buyers want to catch a great new home before anybody else takes it. If your real estate agent reports there have been fewer buyers calling about and asking to tour your home than there have been for other homes in your area, that may be a sign buyers think it's overpriced and are waiting for the price to fall before viewing it.

2. You're drawing lots of lookers but have no offers
If you've had 30 sets of potential buyers come through your home and not a single one has made an offer, something is off. What are other agents telling your agent about your home? An overly high price may be discouraging buyers from making an offer.

3. Your home's been on the market longer than similar homes
Ask your real estate agent about the average number of days it takes to sell a home in your market. If the answer is 30 and you're pushing 45, your price may be affecting buyer interest. When a home sits on the market, buyers can begin to wonder if there's something wrong with it, which can delay a sale even further. At least consider lowering your asking price.

4. You have a deadline
If you've got to sell soon because of a job transfer or you've already purchased another home, it may be necessary to generate buyer interest by dropping your price so your home is a little lower priced than comparable homes in your area. Remember: It's not how much money you need that determines the sale price of your home, it's how much money a buyer is willing to spend.

5. You can't make upgrades
Maybe you're plum out of cash and don't have the funds to put fresh paint on the walls, clean the carpets, and add curb appeal. But the feedback your agent is reporting from buyers is that your home isn't as well-appointed as similarly priced homes. When your home has been on the market longer than comparable homes in better condition, it's time to accept that buyers expect to pay less for a home that doesn't show as well as others.

6. The competition has changed
If weeks go by with no offers, continue to check out the competition. What have comparable homes sold for and what's still on the market? What new listings have been added since you listed your home for sale? If comparable home sales or new listings show your price is too steep, consider a price reduction.

More from HouseLogic

How to ready your home for sale at little cost

How to review offers on your home

Other web resources

Setting the right price

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who made strategic price reductions that led to the sale of a Wisconsin property. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Keep Your Home Sale from Falling Apart

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko


Published: March 30, 2010


After finding a buyer, all you have to do to make it to closing is to avoid these five traps.

Finding a buyer for your home is just the first step on the homeselling path. Tread carefully in the weeks ahead because if you make one of these common seller mistakes, your deal may not close.

Mistake #1: Ignore contingencies
If your contract requires you to do something before the sale, do it. If the buyers make the sale contingent on certain repairs, don't do cheap patch-jobs and expect the buyers not to notice the fixes weren't done properly.

Mistake #2: Don't bother to fix things that break
The last thing any seller needs is for the buyers to notice on the pre-closing walk-through that the home isn't in the same condition as when they made their offer. When things fall apart in a home about to be purchased, sellers must make the repairs. If the furnace fails, get a professional to fix it, and inform the buyers that the work was done. When you fail to maintain the home, the buyers may lose confidence in your integrity and the condition of the home and back out of the sale.

Mistake #3: Get lax about deadlines
Treat deadlines as sacrosanct. If you have three days to accept or reject the home inspection, make your decision within three days. If you're selling, move out a few days early, so you can turn over the keys at closing.

Mistake #4: Refuse to negotiate any further
Once you've negotiated a price, it's natural to calculate how much you'll walk away with from the closing table. However, problems uncovered during inspections will have to be fixed. The appraisal may come in at a price below what the buyers offered to pay. Be prepared to negotiate with the buyers over these bottom-line-influencing issues.

Mistake #5: Hide liens from buyers
Did you neglect to mention that Uncle Sam has placed a tax lien on your home or you owe six months of homeowners association fees? The title search is going to turn up any liens filed on your house. To sell your house, you have to pay off the lien (or get the borrower to agree to pay it off). If you can do that with the sales proceeds, great. If not, the sale isn't going to close.

More from HouseLogic

How maintenance adds to home values

Reducing closing stress

Other web resources

More on calculating closing costs

More on the closing process

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who wanted a successful closing on a Wisconsin property so bad that she probably made her agent rethink going into real estate. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Jonathan Swanson earns North Carolina Short Sale Specialist Certification

Jonathan Swanson with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty in Wilmington, NC recently earned his North Carolina Short Sale Specialist certification. The Certified Short Sale Specialist (CSSS) Seller agent designation is the first and only short sale designation specific to the state of North Carolina.

Many North Carolina homeowners find themselves owing more on their properties than they could sell for today. As a CSSS designee, Swanson is a real estate professional that is dedicated to helping these homeowners. Swanson understands the short sale process, transactional entities, and who the true short sale decision makers are. He can also identify predatory servicing tactics and guide the consumers to the appropriate NC state regulatory agencies if necessary.

Find the Home Loan that Fits Your Needs

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko


Published: February 10, 2010


Understand which mortgage loan is best for you so your budget is not stretched too thin.

It's easier to settle happily into your new home if you're confident you can afford it. That requires that you understand your mortgage financing options and choose the loan that best suits your income and ability to tolerate risk.

The basics of mortgage financing
The most important features of your mortgage loan are its term and interest rate. Mortgages typically come in 15-, 20-, 30- or 40-year lengths. The longer the term, the lower your monthly payment. However, the tradeoff for a lower payment is that the longer the life of your loan, the more interest you'll pay.



Mortgage interest rates generally come in two flavors: fixed and adjustable. A fixed rate allows you to lock in your interest rate for the entire mortgage term. That's attractive if you're risk-averse, on a fixed income, or when interest rates are low.

The risks and rewards of ARMs
An adjustable-rate mortgage does just what its name implies: Its interest rate adjusts at a future date listed in the loan documents. It moves up and down according to a particular financial market index, such as Treasury bills. A 3/1 ARM will have the same interest rate for three years and then adjust every year after that; likewise a 5/1 ARM remains unchanged until the five-year mark. Typically, ARMs include a cap on how much the interest rate can increase, such as 3% at each adjustment, or 5% over the life of the loan.



Why agree to such uncertainty? ARMs can be a good choice if you expect your income to grow significantly in the coming years. The interest rate on some-but not all-ARMs can even drop if the benchmark to which they're tied also dips. ARMs also often offer a lower interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages during the first few years of the mortgage, which means big savings for you-even if there's only a half-point difference.



But if rates go up, your ARM payment will jump dramatically, so before you choose an ARM, answer these questions:
•How much can my monthly payments increase at each adjustment?

•How soon and how often can increases occur?

•Can I afford the maximum increase permitted?

•Do I expect my income to increase or decrease?

•Am I paying down my loan balance each month, or is it staying the same or even increasing?

•Do I plan to own the home for longer than the initial low-interest-rate period, or do I plan to sell before the rate adjusts?

•Will I have to pay a penalty if I refinance into a lower-rate mortgage or sell my house?

•What's my goal in buying this property? Am I considering a riskier mortgage to buy a more expensive house than I can realistically afford?


Consider a government-backed mortgage loan
If you've saved less than the ideal downpayment of 20%, or your credit score isn't high enough for you to qualify for a fixed-rate or ARM with a conventional lender, consider a government-backed loan from the Federal Housing Administration or Department of Veterans Affairs.



FHA offers adjustable and fixed-rate loans at reduced interest rates and with as little as 3.5% down and VA offers no-money-down loans. FHA and VA also let you use cash gifts from family members.



Before you decide on any mortgage, remember that slight variations in interest rates, loan amounts, and terms can significantly affect your monthly payment. To determine how much your monthly payment will be with various terms and loan amounts, try REALTOR.com's online mortgage calculators.

More from HouseLogic

Evaluate Your Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Show Your Support for FHA

Other web resources

How much home can you afford?

Why ask for an FHA loan?

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who's opted for both fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Melanie Cameron earns North Carolina Short Sale Specialist Certification

Melanie Cameron with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty in Wilmington, NC, recently earned her North Carolina Short Sale Specialist certification. The Certified Short Sale Specialist (CSSS) Seller agent designation is the first and only short sale designation specific to the state of North Carolina.

Many North Carolina homeowners find themselves owing more on their properties than they could sell for today. As a CSSS designee, Cameron is a real estate professional that is dedicated to helping these homeowners. Cameron understands the short sale process, transactional entities, and who the true short sale decision makers are. She can also identify predatory servicing tactics and guide the consumers to the appropriate NC state regulatory agencies if necessary.

8 Tips for Finding Your New Home

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko


Published: February 10, 2010


A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you.

House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you'll zoom in on the home you want at the best price.

These eight tips will guide you through a smart homebuying process.

1. Know thyself
Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a multistory home? If you're leaning toward a fixer-upper, are you truly handy, or will you need to budget for contractors?

2. Research before you look
List the features you most want in a home and identify which are necessities and which are extras. Identify three to four neighborhoods you'd like to live in based on commute time, schools, recreation, crime, and price. Then hop onto REALTOR.com to get a feel for the homes available in your price range in your favorite neighborhoods. Use the results to prioritize your wants and needs so you can add in and weed out properties from the inventory you'd like to view.

3. Get your finances in order
Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you're comfortable spending each month on housing. Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.



Gather your financial records and meet with a lender to get a prequalification letter spelling out how much you're eligible to borrow. The lender won't necessarily consider the extra fees you'll pay when you purchase or your plans to begin a family or purchase a new car, so shop in a price range you're comfortable with. Also, presenting an offer contingent on financing will make your bid less attractive to sellers.

4. Set a moving timeline
Do you have blemishes on your credit that will take time to clear up? If you already own, have you sold your current home? If not, you'll need to factor in the time needed to sell. If you rent, when is your lease up? Do you expect interest rates to jump anytime soon? All these factors will affect your buying, closing, and moving timelines.

5. Think long term
Your future plans may dictate the type of home you'll buy. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in the home for five to 10 years? With a starter, you may need to adjust your expectations. If you plan to nest, be sure your priority list helps you identify a home you'll still love years from now.

6. Work with a REALTOR®
Ask people you trust for referrals to a real estate professional they trust. Interview agents to determine which have expertise in the neighborhoods and type of homes you're interested in. Because homebuying triggers many emotions, consider whether an agent's style meshes with your personality.



Also ask if the agent specializes in buyer representation. Unlike listing agents, whose first duty is to the seller, buyers' reps work only for you even though they're typically paid by the seller. Finally, check whether agents are REALTORS®, which means they're members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. NAR has been a champion of homeownership rights for more than a century.

7. Be realistic
It's OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don't be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded.



On the flip side, don't be so swayed by a "wow" feature that you forget about other issues-like noise levels-that can have a big impact on your quality of life. Use your priority list to evaluate each property, remembering there's no such thing as the perfect home.

8. Limit the opinions you solicit
It's natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. But remain true to your list of wants and needs so the final decision is based on criteria you've identified as important.

More from HouseLogic

HOAs: What You Need to Know About Rules

A Financial Plan for Your Home

When It Pays to Do It Yourself

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has found happiness in a brownstone in a historic Chicago neighborhood. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

September 2010 Top Producers

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty is pleased to announce our Top Producers for September 2010.

Wilmington Office
Top Listing Agent - Tammy Barnes
Top Selling Agent - Jennifer Farmer
Top Listing Team - Jack Gale Team
Top Selling Team - Jack Gale Team

Carolina Beach Office
Top Listing Agent - Ron Barnello
Top Selling Agent - Judy Odom
Top Listing Team - Shawndy Conway & Jessica Keenan
Top Selling Team - Shawndy Conway & Jessica Keenan

North Brunswick Offices
Top Listing Agent - Hank Troscianiec
Top Selling Agent - Lynda Haraway
Top Listing Team - Dennis and Penny Krueger Team
Top Selling Team - Emily Willetts Team

Onslow/Pender Offices
Top Listing Agent - Jenna Morton
Top Selling Agent - Christina Pitz
Top Listing Team - Roger Mitchell Team
Top Selling Team - Roger Mitchell Team

Hampstead Office
Top Listing Agent - Janeise Collins
Top Selling Agent - Ed Pullen

Leland Office
Top Listing Agent - Edward Wood
Top Selling Agent - Karen Schwartz

South Brunswick Office
Top Listing Agent - Evelyn Madison
Top Selling Agent - Jimmie Pendergrass
Top Listing Team - Scott Haigler and Jeanette Haigler Team
Top Selling Team - Tom Shoaf Team

Top New Home Sales Associate
Chris Cunningham and Tom Craigg

September 2010 OVERALL TOP PRODUCERS
Jack Gale
Roger Mitchell
Christina Pitz
Cynthia Strickland
Rand Burchfield
Jennifer Farmer
Shawndy Conway & Jessica Keenan
Wendy Shorter-Bridges
Lynda Haraway
Kay Baker

7 Steps to a Stress-free Home Closing

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko


Published: February 10, 2010


By doing homework in advance, you'll understand what you're asked to sign when you close the sale of your home.

You've already cleared several hurdles by finding the right home, negotiating the best price, and securing favorable financing. The last obstacle on your homebuying track is the closing, which can be both tedious and tense. By knowing what to expect and doing some legwork, you can put your closing behind you. These seven steps will guide you through a smooth closing.

1. Set a closing date
Your real estate agent will work with the seller's agent and title company to schedule your closing date. Be sure it meshes with the end of your lease or the sale of your existing home and a time when you'll able to play hooky from work. If you're tight on cash, schedule your closing for the end of the month because that's when you'll have to pay the least amount of interest at the closing table.

2. Gather your funds
You may be required to bring funds to the closing. If they're not easily accessible, arrange early to transfer them to a liquid account to avoid last-minute problems. If the title company requires the funds in the form of a cashier's check, also leave time to stop by the bank and pick one up.

3. Purchase title insurance
Title insurance protects the policyholder against trouble with a home's title. Your lender will insist that you purchase a policy to protect it. You should also consider purchasing what's called an owner's title policy from the same insurer, which protects you from fraudulent claims against your ownership and errors in earlier sales. In some areas, sellers traditionally pay for the buyer's title policy. Shop online at Closing.com, EasyTitleQuote.com, and FreeTitleQuote.com. If your home has been sold within the past few years, ask the prior owner's insurance company for a reissue discount.

4. Line up homeowners insurance
Get quotes and compare policies to be sure coverage will be in effect by your closing date. An annual policy should run $500-$1,000, depending on your home's size, age, and amenities. If you live in an area where natural disasters occur, like earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes, you'll need separate insurance to protect your home.

5. Review your good-faith estimate and HUD-1 settlement sheet
Your lender must provide a good-faith estimate of your closing fees. Some of those fees can't change, and others can rise by 10%. Before you go to the closing, read your good-faith estimate, compare it with your HUD-1 settlement statement, and question any fees that increased.

6. Do a walk-through
Schedule an appointment to walk through the home one last time just before your closing. Make sure repairs you requested have been made, no major changes have occurred since you last viewed the property, and that the sellers left anything they agreed to leave and took all their belongings.

Also test electronics and appliances, such as the doorbell, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and oven, to ensure they're functioning properly. Do the same with the hot water heater and heating and air conditioning systems. Walk the yard to be sure no plants or shrubs have been removed.

7. Resolve issues identified in your walk-through
If your walk-through uncovers problems, you can delay the closing until the seller corrects them. But that's often not feasible because your lease is probably over and you've already scheduled movers. Another option is to negotiate a discount to your sales price to cover the cost of the work needed. If the air conditioning is on the fritz and a contractor says the repair will cost $500, ask that the sales price be reduced by that amount. If you make that request at closing, however, be ready for a delay while the title company redoes the paperwork.

A third option: Have the title company hold a portion of the seller's proceeds in escrow until the dispute is resolved. Once that happens, the funds will be released to you or the seller, depending on the outcome.

More from HouseLogic
Do you have the right amount of homeowners insurance?
Shop for an umbrella policy when you shop for homeowners insurance

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has endured several property closings, but the easiest was done through the mail. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Keep Your Home Purchase on Track

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com


By: G. M. Filisko


Published: March 30, 2010


You've found your dream home. Make sure missteps don't prevent a successful closing.

A home purchase isn't complete until you make it to the closing. Until then, the transaction can fall apart for many reasons. Here are five tips for avoiding mistakes that cause a home sale to crater.

1. Be truthful on your mortgage application
You may think fudging your income a little or omitting debts when applying for a mortgage will go unnoticed. Not true. Lenders have become more diligent in verifying information on mortgage applications. If you fib, expect to be found out and denied the loan you need to fund your home purchase. Plus, intentionally lying on a mortgage application is a crime.

2. Hold off on big purchases
Lenders double-check buyers' credit right before the closing to be sure their financial condition hasn't weakened. If you've opened new credit cards, significantly increased the balance on existing cards, taken out new loans, or depleted your savings, your credit score may have dropped enough to make your lender change its mind on funding your home loan.



Although it's tempting to purchase new furniture and other items for your new home, or even a new car, wait until after the closing.

3. Keep your job
The lender may refuse to fund your loan if you quit or change jobs before you close the purchase. The time to take either step is after a home closing, not before.

4. Meet contingencies
If your contract requires you to do something before the sale, do it. If you're required to secure financing, promptly provide all the information the lender requires. If you must deposit additional funds into escrow, don't stall. If you have 10 days to get a home inspection, call the inspector immediately.

5. Consider deadlines immovable
Get your funds together a week or so before the closing, so you don't have to ask for a delay. If you'll need to bring a certified check to closing, get it from the bank the day before, not the day of, your closing. Treat deadlines as sacrosanct.

More from HouseLogic
How maintenance adds to home values
Reducing closing stress

Other web resources
More on calculating closing costs


More on the closing process 



G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who wanted a successful closing on a Wisconsin property so bad that she probably made her agent rethink going into real estate. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

"The Real World of Real Estate"

REAL ESTATE as a Career?

Tired of working for someone else and having a limited income?

Join Us For
"The Real World of Real Estate"
Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010
6:00pm
1001 Military Cutoff Rd, Suite 101
Wilmington, NC 28405

TOPICS:
* How do you get your real estate license?
* How much money can you make?
* How much money is required to start?
* You have your license, now what?
* Large office vs small office?

Hear about our exciting New Agent Training Program from a certified instructor.

Hear from a "Star" agent and a "New" agent.

Seating is limited - please call to reserve your space!
Contact Denise at 910-367-3325 or Amy at 910-297-9526.

Realtors' Letters Add Special Touch to Honor Flight

Coldwell Banker Sea Realty associate Russ May just returned from accompanying World War II veterans to see the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. The trip was made possible by Honor Flight Southeastern North Carolina.

Honor Flight is an amazing all-volunteer effort dedicated to demonstrating respect and admiration for surviving World War II veterans by flying them at no cost to Washington, DC to see the World War II Memorial. The Memorial was completed in 2004.

The majority of the veterans are in their 80's and some needed a little special help navigating the airport and finding their way around Washington's monuments. As a Guardian on the trip, Russ May helped veterans have a safe and comfortable journey.

"A very important and emotional part of the return trip is 'mail call' when the veterans are surprised to receive letters from their families and friends expressing their thanks and gratitude for the veterans' service," said May. A day and a half before the most recent Honor Flight trip, May found out that some of the veterans wouldn't be receiving letters and that it was too late to contact their families again.

"It would be a shame for these individuals to sit empty handed while their fellow veterans receive a package of mail," he wrote in an email to associates and staff in Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty's Wilmington, NC office. "If you have a moment to write a generic note to a WWII veteran, I'll make sure it gets in the right hands."

Overnight, Russ May's mailbox was filled with 54 letters expressing heartfelt gratitude. Even though the letters were addressed to perfect strangers, the writers shared personal stories of lost loved ones, family members who served during wartime, and respect for the military. "Having seen the emotion in the faces of veterans in past flights, I know your thoughts, prayers, and blessings will be warmly received, richly deserved, and much appreciated," May told his colleagues.

Russ May is one of several Realtors at Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty that have volunteered with Honor Flight Southeastern North Carolina. The October 13, 2010 trip was the third Honor Flight made possible by Honor Flight Southeastern North Carolina. Veterans had beautiful weather for their trip to Washington, DC. A crowd of several hundred well-wishers decked out in red, white, and blue greeted the veterans when they returned to Wilmington International Airport Wednesday evening.

For more information about Honor Flight of Southeastern North Carolina, please visit http://www.honorflightsenc.org/.

To learn more about the national Honor Flight organization, log on to http://www.honorflight.org/.

How much is my house worth?

How much is my home worth and how fast can I sell it? Those are the first questions many home sellers ask their Realtor.

Tina Abraham with Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty explains that several variables influence the answer. The condition of your home, how well it's priced, and how much competition you have all play a role in what your home is worth and how quickly you can sell it.



If there are already several homes for sale in your area, Tina says it's very important to make sure that your home is the best-priced and in the best condition in your area. That will ensure that when buyers look in your area, they'll choose to look at your home.

For more information, please visit ‪SeaCoastRealty.com‬ or become our fan on Facebook.‬

Energy Efficient Fireplaces: Wood-Burning and Gas-Burning

Article From HouseLogic.com


By: Rich Binsacca


Published: September 21, 2010


Energy-efficient fireplaces, both wood-burning and gas, let you enjoy the glow of a fire without letting your home heating energy go up in smoke.

A traditional wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and romantic ambience to a home's interior. But most are energy hogs, converting only 15% of wood's energy into useful heat. Fortunately, new energy-efficient fireplace designs are helping wood-burning fireplaces achieve efficiency ratings of 75% or more. Fireplace inserts and gas fireplaces are even more efficient.

Energy-efficient wood-burning fireplaces
If you're adding a wood-burning fireplace, avoid the standard design, which sends too much of your home's heated air up the chimney. Consider these energy-efficient wood-burning fireplaces:

•Rumford fireplaces feature a shallow box design that reflects more heat into the room.


•EPA-rated fireplaces have good performance and high energy-efficiency ratings. They are designed to pull in outdoor air for combustion, and circulate room air around the firebox to extract as much useable heat as possible. In addition, EPA-approved wood-burning fireplaces produce much less air pollution than standard fireplaces.


•Fireplace inserts are sealed metal boxes designed to fit inside masonry fireplace openings. They use outside air for combustion, and are designed to circulate and warm inside air. Inserts burn a variety of biomass fuels, including wood and pellets. Some units are rated at 80% efficiency.


If you already own a standard wood-burning fireplace, make it more energy efficient by installing glass doors. Glass doors limit the amount of room air that is sucked into the fireplace during combustion.



Glass doors work particularly well when a fire is burning down for the night and you must leave the damper open. Otherwise, glass doors block radiant heat; keep them open when your fire is blazing. Expect to pay $300 to $500 for glass doors, installed.



In California, glass or solid metal doors are required on all fireplace openings.

Energy-efficient gas fireplaces
If you want the convenience and low maintenance of a energy-efficient gas fireplace, you have two good options:

•Direct-vent gas fireplaces, which use two-way vents that supply outside air for combustion, have energy-efficiency ratings as high as 77%. That's better than the top gas fireplaces connected to a chimney.


•Vent-free gas fireplaces are even more energy-efficient because they don't send exhaust outside. But they release a lot of moisture into inside indoor air.


Tax credits for fireplaces
Some types of fireplaces qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $1,500 until the end of 2010. After that, certain states may provide tax credits for various types of energy-efficiency improvements, including fireplaces.



Rich Binsacca is the author of 12 books on various home-related topics and is currently a contributing editor for Builder and EcoHome magazines. He has written articles for Remodeling, Home, and Architectural Record, among several others. He intermittently uses the wood-burning fireplace and the gas-fueled freestanding stove that came with his current home.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

6 Tips for Staging Your House To Sell

A house that has been properly staged may sell faster and for more money than a home that has not been staged explains Anna Garcia of Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty in Jacksonville NC.



Anna's offers the following tips for staging your property:
1. Remove Clutter
2. Let in natural light
3. Use neutral paint colors
4. Remove obstacles
5. Curb appeal
6. Dress your home interior for success

Showing your home to sell is much like a job interview. That's why it's important that your home dress for success!

Costs of Adding a Fireplace

Article From HouseLogic.com


By: Rich Binsacca


Published: September 22, 2010


Installing a wood-burning, gas-burning, gel-fuel, or electric fireplace to your house costs $400 to $10,000, depending on the type of fireplace you select.

Installing a fireplace with a brick-lined hearth and a custom mantel can easily cost $10,000 or more. It's also possible to get a similar look for thousands of dollars less. Just shop for a ready-made unit and watch what you spend on the fireplace surround.

If your budget is really tight, a free-standing gel-fuel or electric fireplace eliminates installation costs. But be aware that some bare-bones alternatives don't completely succeed in mimicking a real wood fire.



Check local building codes for possible restrictions on the types of fireplaces that can be installed in your area.

Costs of a wood-burning fireplace
An open-hearth, wood-burning fireplace-like the ones you see in mountain resort hotels-requires the help of a skilled, professional mason and a budget approaching (and often exceeding) $10,000.



For an existing home, considerable renovation work is required, including a foundation to carry the weight of the firebox and chimney, and the cost of the chimney itself.



Expect to pay $7,000 to $10,000 or more.

Cost saver tip: Go for a drywall surround and a simple, wall-mounted mantle.


Costs of a gas-burning fireplace
A fireplace unit that burns natural gas or propane runs about $2,000 for the basic materials package. Installation and finishing typically add $2,500.

Cost saver tip: Switch to a simpler surround and mantle, and get a direct-vent fireplace so you don't need a chimney. Or, opt for a vent-free gas fireplace for $400 or so. Hiring a professional to install a gas line or a connection to a propane tank adds about $1,000.


Your least-expensive option
A gel-fuel fireplace or an electric fireplace starts under $400. With a portable unit, that's the total cost since the fireplace is ready to use once you remove the packaging.



Because there's no flue or chimney, it's easy to install TVs or other electronic gear directly above an electric fireplace. If you include a mantel package, expect to pay $800 to $1,600. One perk available: sound effects that mimic the crackle and pop of a real fire.

Ongoing costs
Estimate your energy costs by using a fuel cost comparison calculator. Gel fuel, not included in the calculator, costs $3 per 13-ounce can, enough for three hours.

For a wood-burning fireplace, figure on $100 to $200 a year for chimney cleaning. Gas fireplaces need an annual service check ($100 to $150) plus a chimney inspection. Gel-fuel and electric fireplaces don't need regular maintenance.

Tax credits for fireplaces
Through Dec. 31, 2010, you may qualify for a federal tax credit for 30% of your costs, up to $1,500, if you install a wood-burning fireplace that's at least 75% fuel-efficient.



Rich Binsacca is the author of 12 books on various home-related topics and is currently a contributing editor for Builder and EcoHome magazines. He has written articles for Remodeling, Home, and Architectural Record, among several others. He intermittently uses the wood-burning fireplace and the gas-fueled freestanding stove that came with his current home.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Adding a Fireplace: Return on Investment

Article From HouseLogic.com


By: Rich Binsacca


Published: September 22, 2010


Installing a fireplace is a popular project, but don't expect a significant return on your investment.

With costs ranging up to $10,000 for a traditional brick hearth and mantel, installing a fireplace is a serious investment. If you're wondering if you'll get a return on that investment, the answer is: probably not.

While intangible benefits such as comfort and ambience may make a fireplace addition worth the cost for you, consumer attitudes toward fireplaces are changing. Here are the facts:

Fireplaces no longer are preferred features
•In 2007, the National Association of REALTORS survey of homebuyers' preferences listed fireplaces as the most preferred home feature. Almost 46% of homebuyers said they would pay extra (a median of $1,220) for a house with at least one fireplace, the most popular "desired feature" in the survey. However, more recent surveys from the National Association of Homebuilders show that support is slipping, and REALTOR® Magazine recently put fireplaces No. 1 on the list of "Home Fads That Are Falling Out of Style." That means chances of receiving price support for your fireplace addition when you sell your home are diminishing.


•According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 53% of new homes built in 2008 included at least one fireplace. That's down from a peak of 66% in 1990, although the numbers may also reflect builders' attempts to save costs for development houses.


•A fireplace isn't calculated separately in a professional home appraisal, making it difficult to assign increased value from your investment.


Match your fireplace budget to your house
When you estimate how much a fireplace might add to the value of your house, consider your home's overall value. A $10,000 fireplace holds its value in a $1 million house because buyers expect this feature in an upscale home. But a $10,000 fireplace might not be such a crucial component of a $100,000 house, especially if features that potential buyers consider more important are lacking.

Get value from your fireplace investment
•Put a new fireplace in a room other than the kitchen--usually the family room or great room.


•Locate a fireplace in a smaller, easy-to-heat room such as an office, guest bedroom, or master bedroom.


•Equip your fireplace with energy-efficient glass doors and an exterior venting system that prevents heated air from being pulled out of rooms.


Rich Binsacca is the author of 12 books on various home-related topics and is currently a contributing editor for Builder and EcoHome magazines. He has written articles for Remodeling, Home, and Architectural Record, among several others. He intermittently uses the wood-burning fireplace and the gas-fueled freestanding stove that came with his current home.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts Save Energy

Article From HouseLogic.com


By: Wendy Paris


Published: September 22, 2010

Install a wood-burning fireplace insert if you want to keep the magic of a wood fire but make your open fireplace more energy efficient.

If your house has a traditional fireplace, you might love the authentic crackle of the fire and the warm ambience that fills your rooms. But that romantic hearth is costing you money-90% of the heat generated by an open fire goes right up the chimney.



The remedy? A wood-burning fireplace insert captures the good vibes and keeps your heat from going up in smoke.

A wood-burning fireplace insert is a metal box that fits inside your existing masonry fireplace opening. A decorative flange fits around the outside edges so that no gaps appear between the unit and the sides of the fireplace. A new metal chimney liner is required to carry combustion gases and smoke up through your chimney.



Fireplace inserts have clear heat-proof glass doors. The best designs circulate air within the firebox in a way that helps keep the glass clean.



Wood-burning fireplace inserts heat 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, depending on their size. Talk to your insert dealer about the size of your existing fireplace and what heating capacity you can expect from an insert.



Inserts cost $3,000 to $4,000, including installation and a chimney liner.

High marks for energy efficiency
An enclosed firebox ensures the highly efficient combustion of wood, helping you extract the most heat for the least cost. Most wood-burning fireplace inserts include a fan to help circulate room air around the firebox and release it back into the room.



A wood-burning fireplace insert helps cut heating costs by 10% to 40%. That's a savings of $64 to $255 a year for the average homeowner. Though fuel prices can fluctuate wildly, savings could be even greater if you rely on pricier electricity or fuel oil for heating, rather than natural gas or propane.



Improvements in the designs of wood-burning fireplace inserts over the past five years mean almost all new units now meet the guidelines for fuel efficiency set by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of 60% to 80%.

Advantages of a fireplace insert
•An insert designed to heat 1,500 square feet will burn for three to five hours before you need to reload-a lot less hassle than tending an open fireplace.


•Firewood is an economical fuel in many regions, costing just $922 per year to heat a typical home when the wood is burned efficiently. If you cut the wood yourself, it might even be free. If you buy, you support local jobs.


•Efficient combustion reduces the amount of noxious gases and particulates produced by an open fireplace.


Disadvantages of a fireplace insert
•You'll still need to stack and load firewood and empty ashes periodically.


•The fire is behind glass doors rather than exposed.


•Fitting an insert into an existing fireplace opening can be tricky. In some instances, the insert may protrude beyond the fireplace surround, and you'll have to add trim to make up the difference.


•The payback period on your investment may be 15 years or longer.


Tax credits for wood-burning fireplace inserts
There's a federal tax credit available until the end of 2010 for fireplace inserts that burn wood, pellets or other biomass fuels, and are at least 75% efficient. The tax credit is good for 30% of what you spend, up to $1,500, and includes installation expenses.



The federal tax credit expires at the end of 2010. After that, certain states may provide tax credits for various types of energy-efficiency improvements, including fireplaces.



Wendy Paris is a writer in New York. She recently built a home in New York's Catskill Mountains and installed a wood stove in the living room that can heat up the entire first floor. She loves her wood stove. She's written about building her house for This Old House magazine.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Gas Fireplace Inserts: Pros and Cons

Article From HouseLogic.com


By: Wendy Paris


Published: September 22, 2010


Add a gas-burning fireplace insert if you want clean air and the ultimate in convenience.

Flip a switch; have fire. That's the key appeal of a gas fireplace insert. You still enjoy real flames, but without the hassles of solid fuel. There is no firewood to stack, bags of pellets to dump, and no ashes to clean out. The air inside your house and in your neighborhood stays clean, too. No wonder that about 70% of all hearth products-fireplaces, inserts, and artificial log sets-now burn gas.

Unlike old decorative gas fireplaces, today's gas inserts are heat-producing dynamos that use natural gas or propane to power a steady flame dancing on fake logs, decorative modern glass chips, or stones behind a sealed glass face.

Gas inserts are available as vented units or unvented units.

•Direct-vent units are safest. They draw in outside air to keep the flame burning and exhaust all the combustion gases and water vapor released by burning gas.


•Ventless inserts have a higher efficiency rating (92% to 99% vs. 60% to 80% for direct-vent inserts) because no heat escapes up the chimney. But the exhaust fumes and moisture released from burning gas stay in your house, which may be a cause for concern.


Most ventless gas fireplace inserts are considered safe for homeowners because they include an oxygen-depletion sensor that turns gas off before carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels in the room. Nevertheless, some states don't allow ventless gas units.



Check your local building codes regarding the types of fireplace inserts allowed in your area.

Capacity and cost of inserts
A gas-burning fireplace insert heats 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, depending on its size. Talk to your insert dealer about the size of your existing fireplace and what heating capacity you can expect from an insert.

Inserts cost $3,000 to $4,000, including installation and a chimney liner.

Upsides to a gas fireplace insert
•Gas fireplace inserts can be used in masonry or prefab fireplaces; they can be vented through the existing chimney (or a wall for a free-standing unit).


•Gas inserts require little maintenance beyond an annual $75 to $125 checkup. Its best application is for zone heating-turning up the gas in the room you're in and lowering the thermostat in the rest of your house.


•There's a definite green factor--they burn with a 65% to 99% efficiency rating, which means very little pollution or smoke.


•There's no ash or creosote produced with a gas-burning unit.


On the downside
•Gas inserts means you're burning fossil fuel, making the unit ineligible for the federal tax credit (which expires at the end of 2010) and unattractive if you're eager to reduce your carbon footprint.


•Propane is an expensive heating fuel-you won't save money heating your whole house with a gas insert.

•You'll spend more on gas or propane than you would on wood or pellets to produce the same amount of heat.


•A gas insert burns fossil fuel, so it doesn't qualify for the 30% tax credit available for inserts that burn biomass, such as wood or pellets.


Wendy Paris is a writer in New York. She recently built a home in New York's Catskill Mountains and installed a woodstove in the living room that can heat up the entire first floor. She loves her wood stove. She's written about building her house for This Old House magazine.

Reprinted from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (R).Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Sea Coast Realty Breaks Ground on New Habitat Home

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, a small crowd gathered in an empty lot on Corbett Street in Wilmington, NC. Despite the early hour, the group was buzzing with excitement, because soon a new Habitat for Humanity home would begin to take shape.

Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty associates, staff, and their families joined with representatives and volunteers from Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity to say prayers and well wishes before the ceremonial first shovels of earth were turned. When the ceremony ended, an army of volunteers armed with shovels, including the homeowner and her daughter, were hard at work digging the footers for the new home.

The new homeowners hope to be in their completed Habitat home by January 2011. The home is sponsored by Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty.


Check out our photos of the occasion on our Facebook photo album.

See news media coverage of the groundbreaking ceremony:

Ceremony today to begin ground breaking of Habitat for Humanity home (Star News)

Mom and daughter break ground for new home (WECT)

Can you dig it - Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty sponsors new Habitat project (Star News)

Pirates, Food, and Fun at Wilmington Riverfest

Don't miss the pirate-themed fall fun at Wilmington, NC's 31st Annual Riverfest this weekend.

Don't be surprised if you see Blackbeard look-a-likes walking around downtown Friday evening. The celebration kicks off with a street dance and beer garden in Riverfront park on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 from 8:00PM-11:00PM.

Saturday activities begin in historic downtown Wilmington at 10:00AM and include live music, food and craft vendors, a skateboarding contest, exhibits, displays, shows, and tons of activities for kids. Don't miss the Children's Treasure Hunt from 1:00PM-4:00PM. Highlights of the events include the Invasion of the Pirates lighted flotilla at dusk (approximately 7:00PM) and a fireworks show at 9:05PM.

Similar events continue on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 at 10:30AM. The Run the River 8K Race begins at 8:00AM. One event you don't want to miss the The Great Waiters Wine Race at 2:00PM in the East parking lot at Cape Fear Community College. In this hilarious event, area waiters with trays loaded with full wine glasses race through an obstacle course to see whose skills are best.

For a full schedule of Riverfest events, please visit www.wilmingtonriverfest.com.