Bucking the Trend

The Associated Press reports that, nationwide, the sale of existing homes fell in June for the 8th time in 10 month. The Wilmington, NC real estate market is not following the trend. The Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS MLS data shows that 808 homes were sold in June, an increase of 9.5%. The average sales price dipped 0.1%. The demand is still strong and the inventory lower for homes priced below the median. The higher end home sales has been slow, especially in the beach markets.

For a search of homes curently on the market, use my no-registration required home search.

basketball Coming to Wilmington, NC

The new Wilmington-based ABA professional basketball team has scheduled a public news conference for Monday, July 24th at noon at the Cape Fear Community College's Schwartz Center. Kevin Whitted, Head Coach of the new team, along with Mark Janas, another co-owner of the team, will present the team name and logo.

Following a prepared statement, Whitted and Janas will be available to answer general questions about the team. Introductory media kits will also be distributed following the news conference. "We are excited to introduce our team to the community," said Whitted. "This initial news conference is just the first of many media events we have planned to create enthusiasm about our new sports offering."

It is great to see Wilmington, NC growing and adding more sports and other cultural events to our community.

Paul Sullins
Network Real Estate

The Fort Fisher Hermit

This post is a little off the beaten path of downtown Wilmington, NC, but is about a local legend in the area.

"Robert E. Harrill, who became known as the Fort Fisher Hermit, lived for 17 years under the stars, living off the land and the contributions of visitors who came by the thousands every year to meet "The Hermit." A misnomer from almost the beginning, "The Hermit" treated anyone who came by with a warmth and friendly appreciation that was contagious" From the website

His story is now on film and available on DVD. Visit The Fort Fisher Website

- Paul Sullins

Save Money at Home

If you are interested in energy conservation and how to save money on your utility bills at home in an environmentally friendly way check out The Kilowatt Ours website The Movie will be showing in Wilmington, NC on July 16th at 7pm, UNC Wilmington Cameron Auditorium. The filmmaker Jeff Barrie will there.

July 4th Downtown Wilmington

On Tuesday, July 4th, at 9:05 pm the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA hosts the 10th Annual “BATTLESHIP BLAST” fireworks spectacular.

One of the state’s largest choreographed fireworks displays explodes over the Battleship. This production by PYRO SHOWS, an international award-winning pyrotechnics company, is guaranteed to dazzle residents and visitors alike.

The 2006 4th of July Celebration and the Battleship Blast are brought to you by the City of Wilmington, U.S. Cellular, WECT TV-6 and the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA along with media partner Cumulus Broadcasting. Bring the entire family and enjoy an explosive evening! View from historic downtown Wilmington. The Battleship closes at 6pm for fireworks.

Have a great 4th
Paul Sullins

Craig's List Comes to Wilmington

If you are a Craigslist user, good news, Wilmington, NC is now on the service. If you haven't seen or used it, Craigslist is a popular, free, online classified service with all sorts of listing categories and community boards. Check it out at wilmington.craigslist.org

Paul Sullins

Regional Economy Looking Good

Wilmington Star-News, Thursday, June 15.

New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties will experience "robust" growth in the next 12 months, growing 9% , said Dr William "Woody" Hall Jr., senior economist at UNCW .

Dr Hall had projected a 7% growth rate for 2006 last year, but now has revised his projection upward.

Median household income has risen to $50,000, up from 1990 when it was $35,000, which may indicate an influx of wealth and better-paying jobs, Hall said. And, while housing and utility costs are higher in this area the remaining cost of living is "fairly inexpensive compared to other metropolitan areas."

The construction sector will continue to be strong, he said. While the number of new permits dropped 2.5 percent in 2005 in New Hanover County, there still were 2,600 building permits issued, valued at more than $775 million, Hall said. Eight of every 10 permits were for single-family homes.

Contact me for more information on the Wilmington, NC regional real estate market.

Goodbye After 22 Years

After 22 years as a downtown retail merchant, Mimi Kessler, owner of Rare Cargo, 122 N Front St, Wilmington NC has hung out "The Big Sale" Sign.

Everything is 22% off to commemorate her 22 years in business. Mimi has sold the building and has decided to "retire" from the retail trade.

Stop in and take a look at a store full of "Things You Don't Really Need"

We'll Miss You Mimi.

Foggy Morning on the Riverwalk

By Diane Boissiere

Coastal Building Boom

In the Sunday, June 4, 2006 Raleigh News & Observer, Jay Price reports on "the Tens of thousands of retiring baby boomers -- many from out of state and ready to cash out of expensive housing markets -- are expected to migrate to the mainland shore, a 20-county area stretching from Currituck in the northeast to Brunswick on the state's southern coast."

For the full story.

The riverfront of Historic Downtown Wilmington is experiencing the boom. One bedroom riverfront condos at Water Street Center have seen a surge in sales activity and prices, which have recently passed the $300,000 mark. A river view condo listing

Visit my website for a free, no registration required, search of the area MLS. Downtown is covered by Zip-code 28401.



Paul Sullins, Broker
Network Real Estate of Wilmington, NC

The Invasion is Back!

The 2nd Annual Invasion of the Pirates Flotilla is set for Saturday, Oct 7, 2006 during Riverfest in historic downtown Wilmington, NC.

This year's Invasion will be bigger and badder than ever. Sinbad, aboard the Meka II, will be along to help take the city. A surprise Tall ship may join the siege.

So swab the decks, load up the cannons, deck your ship and join the Invasion. Registration now open. Here's the form matey. Free dockage will be provided on a first come basis. All hands will enjoy the Pirate's Pre-Invasion Party Friday night. Check back for more info on the treasure hunt and other events.

Brought to you by WHET Helping to put the River back into Riverfest.

PED ART Display Enhances Downtown Walking Experience

The PEDestrian ART (PED ART) Project is a public sculpture program intended to serve as an economic, cultural, and visual stimulus for downtown Wilmington. The non-profit organization, Tabula Rasa, under the sponsorship of City of Wilmington Downtown Services, has selected sites in the Central Business District (CBD) of downtown Wilmington to make art accessible to the general public.

Samples on display to September 2006.


For more information about Wilmington, NC and real estate available in the area, please visit The Wilmington Connection.

Wilmington NC Photographic History

While helping a client research a building in the downtown area, I was directed to the Dr. Robert M Fales Collection. This online resource provides access to 1,300 photographic slides documenting the history of Wilmington, NC.

If you are searching for a historic home, condo downtown or any other real estate in Wilmington, NC , please visit my online MLS search.

Enjoy the slide show.

Maritime Day

On Sunday, May 21, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Come explore one of the key economic drivers of the regional economy, the Port of Wilmington, NC on Maritime Day. This is a free event. Click here for more info

The Wilmington economy is growing at a rate of 7% to 9%, this growth makes it a great time to invest in real estate

History Online

Check out Port City Architecture On-Line This site allows you to see and read about Wilmington's historic buildings, learn how to research your old house, get a Historic Wilmington Foundation Plaque Application, and view detailed research on many of the buildings.

If you are interested in housing in Wilmington NC, My online MLS Search is an easy way to get started.

Finding the Nina

The Nina arrives in Wilmington, NC on Tuesday, May 2, 2006. While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ship for a walk aboard self-guided tour every day of the week. From Wednesday May 3rd to Sunday May 7th.

The prices are $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for senior citizens (60+), and $3.00 for students. Children 4 and under are Free. The ship will be open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No reservations necessary.

The ship will be docked at the Conlon Dock located at 503 Nutt Street. The Dock is the northernmost point of the downtown Riverwalk, located behind the Coastline Inn and Convention Center and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.

Take Market Street (west) towards the river. Turn Right on N Water Street. Water Street will curve right at the Railroad Museum. Turn left on Nutt Street. Plenty of parking at the Convention Center and on the Street.

Call the Wilmington Visitors Center at (910) 341-4030 for additional directions.

Rims on the River

On Saturday, April 22, 2006 Rims on the River, a vintage car and hot rod show, will take place in downtown Wilmington, NC. Over 100 cars (dating post-1970) will line the streets of downtown Wilmington.

Click here for more info

59th Wilmington, NC Azalea Festival

The 59th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival will be held April 5-9, 2006 in the greater Wilmington area. The Festival is a celebration of Wilmington’s exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture during its five days of entertainment that includes: a parade, street fair, circus, concerts, pageantry, and all that is Southern.

The Nina is Coming!

Wilmington, N.C. – The Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust announces that on Wednesday May 3rd, the “Nina”, a replica of Columbus’ favorite ship will open in Wilmington. The ship will be docked at Conlon Dock, 503 Nutt St., behind the Coastline Convention Center, until her departure early Monday morning May 8th.

Built completely by hand and without the use of any power tools, Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The craftsmanship of construction and the details in the rigging make it a truly fascinating visit back to the Age of Discovery. The ‘Nina’ was used in the production of the film 1492’ starring Gerard Depardieu and directed by Ridley Scott.

The ‘Nina’ was built in Bahia, Brazil by the Columbus Foundation which is based in the British Virgin Islands. The ship has been touring continually since 1992 as a ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel’, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ship for a walk aboard self-guided tour every day of the week. The prices are $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for senior citizens, and $3.00 for students. Children 4 and under are Free. The ship will be open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No reservations necessary.

Teachers or groups wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided group tour with a crew member can call the ship at 1-787-421-0402, or email columfnd@surfbvi.com. Minimum of 15. Visit our website at www.thenina.com for additional information. The ship arrives on Tuesday May 2nd and there will be a private viewing of the ship for the media after docking.

Columbus Foundation Inc., British Virgin Islands,
Phone (284) 495-4618 Fax (284) 495-4616
email columfnd@surfbvi.com
The Nina, Ltd., Georgetown, Grand Cayman, BWI,

Wilmington Harbor Enhancement Trust (WHET) Join WHET by visiting our website and help us bring more ships and docking to downtown Wilmington.

Economic Impact

*SINGLE FAMILY CONSTRUCTION IMPACT ON LOCAL ECONOMIES: In the southeast North Carolina counties of Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender Counties, a total of 7,707 single-family home permits were issued in 2004. Those 7,707 homes generated approximately 28,616 jobs and a total economic output of approximately $2.8 billion as well as approximately $234 million in additional government revenues. (Each county supplied the permit data which was processed by UNCW's Economics Department.)