Master Bedroom Downstairs is Growing as a Homebuyer Trend

Lately, more and more we're seeing homebuyers seeking homes with the master bedroom downstairs.  Reasons for this seem to vary, whether it's homebuyers increasing in age and don't want to deal with the hassle of stairs, or the size of families increasing, or just a personal preference.  

Homebuilders in the area are responding with gorgeous new construction homes featuring the master bedroom downstairs.  The Sonoma Floorplan by Wynn Construction is a perfect example.  This five bedroom home has three and a half baths, two story living room and tons of storage!  The 14'x18' master bedroom is privately located downstairs and features crown molding and a tray ceiling.  The roomy master bath features double vanities, large soaking tub and oversized shower and the huge walk in closet shows off Wynn's wooden shelving design!                                     

New construction homes aren't the only homes featuring the master bedroom downstairs, however.  196 Royal Bluff Road, Jacksonville, NC  28546, listed by William Sanders, Coldwell Banker Fountain Realty, is a custom home built in 2005 and located in the exclusive gated community of Williams Farm in Jacksonville, NC.  This well appointed home has over 5,000 heated square feet, two story foyer, hardwood flooring, crown molding and intricate trim work throughout.  The downstairs master bedroom measures 21'x25' and boasts hardwood floors, fireplace and patio!  The en suite bathroom is massive and features a two way gas fireplace in front of the oversized whirlpool tub!  Convenience and opulence was built into this home.

                             

Homebuyers searching for homes with the master bedroom downstairs have several options available to them, like new construction homes, custom homes or renovation projects to suit.  Here is a complete list of homes for sale in the Jacksonville, NC area with the master bedroom downstairs.  For a free consultation and to view these beautiful homes, contact Amanda!  910.545.0450

What's happening in Jacksonville, NC? Zing Zumm Science Frenzy! That's What!

What's happening in Jacksonville, NC?  Zing Zumm is happening!  With the growing need of a children's museum in Jacksonville, NC, Zing Zumm was created!

Zing Zumm® Children's Museum of Jacksonville is currently under development.  It will be a museum with and for children toddler age through 8 years old and will provide a safe and nurturing environment for children and families to spend time together and promote lifelong learning.  It is strictly a non-profit organization and is being funded through donations and fundraising efforts.

The Science Frenzy is one of these events to promote the museum and raise funds.  

Located at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center on Saturday, March 15, 2014, children will be able to learn- hands on- about gravity, watch things explode and build things!  "Like" Zing Zumm on Facebook to follow everything that's happening in Jacksonville, NC.

The good, bad and ugly of Zillow's "Zestimates!"

Every homeowner, person shopping for a home, or homeowner with a neighbor has probably scouted Zillow and has also seen a Zestimate of their home.  A Zestimate is just another opinion of value.  And you know what they say about opinions!

Zillow uses proprietary valuation models that identify relationships between home-related data and actual sale prices in geographic areas.  Data sources include physical attributes of homes, tax assessments, actual sale prices, foreclosures and tax sales, and user-submitted information.  Think about the word "data."  What comes to mind?  Perhaps some math problems, or numbers swirling together and bar graphs?  Zillow uses this kind of data, as well as user-submitted information and physical attributes of homes to determine a dollar amount determining a home's value.  

Surprisingly the national median error is only 8.7% and Zillow claims that nearly one third of estimates are within 5% of a home's sale price.  So, by the numbers:

There are 1,000 homes in a geographic market for sale, and the average sale price is $175,000, for example.

Zillow prices 333 of those within 5% of the home's sale price.  And within 5% of that average price those 333 homes could sell for $166,250 to $183,750. 

Almost a $20,000 difference in opinion of price.  That's quite a wide range.  

To competently determine a home's true market value, homeowners, as well as home buyers, need to consider days on market, sold prices and seller contributions, staging advice, and absorption rates.  Many REALTORS® understand how to report this data for their clients to give them a better idea of what their market is actually doing.  This is considered a comparable market analysis, or CMA.  The other determination of value one can receive is an appraisal.  

For a complete analysis of the Jacksonville, NC real estate market conditions, call or email Amanda!  Or check here for a market valuation of your home!  You can use this to compare with the Zestimate to monitor the difference!  Good, bad, or ugly!

Summerhouse on Everett Bay- The Perfect Community with Coastal Colonial Style Homes For Sale Near Topsail Beach and Wilmington!

Summerhouse on Everett Bay is a perfectly planned gated community featuring coastal colonial new construction homes for sale!  Conveniently located along the Intracoastal Waterway, you'll see Topsail Beach's white sandy coast!  This location allows homeowners to enjoy the quiet, relaxed beach life and the advantage of being minutes from Wilmington, Surf City, Holly Ridge and Jacksonville.

 

 This waterfront community features a day dock, boat ramp, and storage is included.  Summerhouse at Everett Bay boasts 6 lakes, a gorgeous pool, open air pavilion, a 10,000 sq ft. clubhouse with billiards, kitchen and bar area, fitness center, 9 miles of walking/running trails, multiple picnic areas complete with fire pits, playgrounds and two tennis courts!!

 

 

There really is something for everyone in this amazing community.  New Construction homes for sale feature beautiful hardwood floors and oversized trim to set off the exceptionally high ceilings and designer lighting.  The double pane vinyl windows are storm rated and allow tons of natural light in but are energy efficient, keeping the cool air in and the hot summer air out!  Beautiful granite countertops perfectly compliment the architectural cabinetry.  The bedrooms are spacious and built for comfort!  You'll love the closet space and upgraded bathroom features.

It's easy to fall in love with this gorgeous community but with homes like these, you'll love to come home at the end of the day, or maybe make your "vacation home" your permanent home!

Summerhouse on Everett Bay truly is like no other.  The gorgeous coastal colonial style homes invite you to stay and relax and enjoy Topsail Island and the beach life!

Call Amanda Parmer for your personal tour of Summerhouse on Everett Bay or to see homes in the community!  910.545.0450

Check this website more information about the community, or to see homes for sale near Topsail Beach.  Summerhouse on Everett Bay is a private gated community, call for more information!

166 King Road FOR SALE! 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home for sale in Jacksonville, NC

166 King Road is a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home located in the southwest area of Jacksonville, NC for sale.  The location is perfect- situated just minutes from New River MCAS, the bypass for Jacksonville, NC and all the shopping Jacksonville has to offer!

Situated on over a half acre, the backyard is completely fenced with a wooden privacy fence, it's a perfect little slice of heaven but still convenient to everything.  You'll find an above ground pool and playset in the private backyard, that is staying with the home!

Inside the home, all three bedrooms, two bathrooms and the laundry room is upstairs.  All the bedrooms are spacious and there is tons of closet space!  Downstairs the living room flows easily into the dining room and kitchen- making it perfect for entertaining!

Call Amanda for your personal viewing!  910.545.0450

For more information on 166 King Road, Jacksonville, NC  28540, or other homes for sale in Jacksonville, NC, call, text, or email Amanda Parmer!

Found your dream home? Don't wait!

If you've been home shopping and think you might have found your dream home- you probably have!  If you continue to compare other homes to your dream home that you've all ready seen- you're just stalling.  That's the cold, hard truth of it.  And here's the thing- if you're looking at this home and feel that it's a good deal and can picture yourself living in it- other people are too!  So if you want to "sleep on the decision," you may not ever be sleeping in the home.  When it comes to buying a home, it's more of a process of elimination, more than including more homes to view.

Your buyer's agent will be able to explain how quickly things are moving and offer you advice on structuring your offer to the seller so that your offer is the strongest offer for your dream home!  For information on homes for sale in the Jacksonville, NC area, please let me know!  I'm excited to help you find your dream home!

Real Estate Tax Value Change in Onslow County

So homeowners in Onslow County should have received a new "Notice of Real Estate Assessed Value" in the mail.  Every four years, the tax office reassesses property tax values and they determine the value based on an average of recent sales in that community.

The last time the assessment was performed in Onslow County was 2010.  The real estate market was completely different then- we hadn't started seeing the large amount of foreclosures and short sales that we're experiencing now, and there were many more new construction communities sprouting up everywhere.  So the 2010 assessment would be more a little more inflated than the 2014 assessment.

What does this mean for homeowners?

Well, the budget for the county will be set in June, which means they can either increase, decrease or keep the tax rate the same to meet the budget's needs.  So, theoretically, the tax values of real estate might have gone down and the tax rate might go up- but the point is to meet the budgetary needs.

The tax value does not necessarily constitute market value, however!  Our real estate market in the Jacksonville, NC area changes about every three months.  So a four year assessment can't accurately reflect real estate market values.  The only two ways to get a good idea of market value is to get an appraisal, or a comparable market analysis.  Appraisers are the only ones licensed to perform an appraisal and the cost ranges between $400-$600.  If you're interested in receiving a comparable market analysis click here!  I'd be happy to help with any confusion or doubts concerning the different values you might be seeing!  Keep in mind that real estate market value (determined by what things are selling for, how long it took them to sell, and how many more homes are on the market) and real estate tax value in Onslow County are two completely separate things.

Call Amanda Parmer for all of your real estate needs!  910.545.0450.  If you're unsatisfied with your current tax value, there is a method to appeal- contact Amanda for more info!