April kicked off the second quarter with the kind of energy we all look forward to here in the Coastal Carolinas.
Warmer days, more visitors, and buyers coming into town to explore. If you’re local, you know… beach traffic is back, boats are out, and everything just feels alive again.
We enjoyed a warm Easter here in Wilmington, spent spring break in Florida, and made it back just in time for the North Carolina Azalea Festival. We also celebrated my father-in-law’s 75th birthday with family visiting from Long Island — a really special reminder of how meaningful it is to gather and spend time here.
And right alongside all of that… real estate activity is picking up too.
New Hanover County Market Snapshot (Past 30 Days)
Here’s what we’re seeing locally:
Single-Family Homes
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433 new listings
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285 homes sold
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61 average days on market
- $291 price per sq ft
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Median Sale Price: $465,000
Condos
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108 new listings
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41 homes sold
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83 average days on market
- $449 price per sq ft
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Median Sale Price: $365,000
Townhomes
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97 new listings
-
33 sold
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83 average days on market
- $274 price per sq ft
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Median Sale Price: $386,000
What this means:
- Inventory is improving, giving buyers more choices
- Well-prepared homes are still moving — especially when priced right
- Some homes are taking longer, creating a more balanced feel overall
- Buyers are active — but taking a more thoughtful approach
Let’s Talk Real Estate: Think you need a 20% down payment for your first home? Think again
Discover low down payment loans and tips to help you buy your home sooner.
Buying your first home is a big and exciting step! You can finally paint the walls your favorite color, build equity, and settle down. But if you’ve seen home prices lately, you might feel stuck. Think you need a 20% down payment to get started? That’s a common myth! Sometimes it could take years to save for a down payment. The good news? You don’t need nearly that much.
There are plenty of ways to buy a home with a smaller down payment. Let me show you how to make homeownership happen without breaking the bank!
FHA Loans: A Great Starting Point:
- The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) backs these popular loans. They are practically designed with the first-time home buyer in mind.
Conventional Loans: As Low As 3% Down:
- Many people mistakenly believe conventional loans always require a 20% down payment. In reality, first-time buyers can often secure a conventional loan with as little as 3% down.
VA Loans: Zero Down Payment Required:
- If you are an active-duty military member, a veteran, or an eligible surviving spouse, you need to look into a VA loan. The Department of Veterans Affairs backs these incredible loans, and they come with a massive benefit: zero down payment
USDA Loans: Rural Buying with Zero Down:
- The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers loans for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. Like VA loans, USDA loans allow you to buy a home with absolutely no down payment.
Practical Tips for Saving Your Down Payment
- Even if you only need 3% to 5% down, you still need to save some cash. Closing costs and moving expenses will also add up. Here are some actionable ways to build your house fund faster.
- Automate Your Savings - Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account
- Keep Windfalls Intact - Did you get a tax refund, an annual bonus at work, or a cash gift for your birthday? Resist the urge to splurge. Route those windfalls directly into your house fund.
- Audit Your Monthly Spending - Look for subscriptions you no longer use or habits you can temporarily pause.
Around Town: Your Summer Bucket List
Make the most of the summer months
Go on a Beach Day
Whether you prefer Wrightsville, Carolina, or Kure Beach, make sure you have your beach day essentials before hitting the sand!
SUNSCREEN: Keep your skin glowing and protected all day long.
OVERSIZED TOWEL: Your home base for lounging and quick dry-offs.
SNACKS & SIPS: Pack fresh fruit, crunchy snacks, and plenty of ice-cold water to stay refreshed.
ENTERTAINMENT: Don't forget a great book, a frisbee, or a portable speaker for the perfect summer playlist.
Buy Fresh Produce at a Farmer’s Market
FARMERS MARKETS: Scattered across the city and the surrounding areas, farmer’s markets offer a true feast for the senses. Check out Riverfront Farmer’s Market, Downtown Wilmington on Saturdays, Poplar Grove Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays or the Wrightsville Beach Farmer’s Market on Mondays.
Visit an Art Gallery
FOURTH FRIDAY GALLERY NIGHTS: Organized by the Arts Council of Wilmington happening on the first Friday of each month with over 20 galleries participating.
My Hidden Gem This Month
Long Leaf Park Splashpad
Summer heat has officially met its match.
Head over to the Longleaf Splash Pad, the perfect place to cool off on a warm day and enjoy some laughs with the family.
📍8140 Hugh MacRae Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
Your Next Step: Start With the Right Information
Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just starting to explore your options, having the right information makes all the difference.
That’s exactly why I’ve created a dedicated Resource Hub — designed to give you clear answers, smart strategies, and a step-by-step understanding of the process.
No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just real guidance so you can move forward with confidence.
Final Thoughts
If April was any indication, May is right in the heart of the spring market.
Opportunities are there — but timing, preparation, and strategy matter more than ever.
Whether you're:
thinking about listing
starting your home search
or just trying to better understand the market
This is one of the most active and important windows of the year to be paying attention.
And if you need clarity, a game plan, or just a quick conversation to talk things through — I’m always here.
🏡 Jennifer Young | FreshNEST @ Nest
📲 910-742-0990
📩 [email protected]