Ralph Hunter

Hi Sandy,
Wilmington does have a higher than average crime rate, but it's certainly not out of hand. There has been some violence downtown recently, but it's typically very late at night after the bars close. I also expect that with so much attention from the media, WIlmington Police will be taking a closer look. However, in your price range, you may be better off in another part of town. Would you consider a condo or townhome, or is a house a must? What's more important to you, condition, or size? I agree with Yolanda, it would be best if you found a short term rental while you hunt. I have a furnished 3 BR rental close to downtown, reasonable rate, available after the 21st of Sept. Call me if you would like to know more about it. We could do as little as one month. 910.262.8820 By the way, from what I hear, if you can live in Chicago, Wilmington should seem like Emerald City. - Wed Sep 17 2008, 04:36

Hi Scott,
I appreciate your opinion, but I am very surprised. If I weren't as active on this site, there would be very little activity for the Wilmington area. I enjoy the input. I research 5-10 articles a day. I blog for my readers. I watch CNBC several hours a day. I very much have an interest in what is going on in my country. I may be wrong, but I think my questions have added a lot of value to this forum. If you are not happy with my input, please do no respond. Thanks... - Fri Sep 12 2008, 05:33

Hi Julia,
If you are a large producer, I would be happy to offer you a 100% split. I just opened an office in Wilmington, and I have grown by 100% in the last year! By the way, it's been a tough year for that kind of growth. It's just me at the moment, but my 5 year plan is substantial. Call me if you are interested. Thanks, Ralph 910.262.8820 - Fri Sep 12 2008, 05:23

Sorry everyone, I meant that I expect to see a recovery in Wilmington NC in the spring of 2010. I think 2009 is going to be a very tough year. - Fri Sep 12 2008, 05:21

At the bottom of the summary is a link to view the entire pdf. I competely agree that the global crisis has yet to bare all of it's teeth. Last summer I was searching for boats, and I noticed something very disturbing. Most of the used boats for sale were bought in 2004- 2007. Furthermore, these used boats appeared to cost as much, or more than brand new comparables! America stretched itself way too thin during those years, and I expect to see a massive correction for all loans. Homes, boats, autos, personal, etc. The silver lining? After every recession there has been a major boom immediately after. The economy is very fluid, so when things go up too high, they typically come down too low as well. I expect to see a huge recovery ( at least in Wilmington NC) in the spring of 2009. Partially driven by huge growth, and partially driven by pent up demand. Thanks!

http://www.homevaluator.org/News/page_2019378.html - Fri Sep 12 2008, 05:19

California . Wilmington has far too many amazing attributes to slow down too much. That doesn't mean that it's not a good investment.

Sometimes you have to pay a little more to be the best. I can cite 100 different articles forecasting huge growth for Wilmington and NC, so be careful about sitting the sidelines for too long. When it breaks loose, it is going to boom! I have said it before, and I can't emphasize it enough. While prices may come down in the next year or two, a great deal that fits your needs typically only comes around a couple times a year. It will be Spring of 2010 soon. ( This is when I forecast Wilmington pulling away from the rest of the country and making huge increases all around ) Even in light of a full on recession, I doubt you will see the average price drop much more than 15% in this area. Of course on Carolina and Kure Beaches homes are selling for almost 100% less than they did three years ago . This is the best place to find amazing deal s, as these owners are victims of a HUGE, classic real estate bubble. Wilmington is currently being effected by a global slowdown, and this will certainly benefit the buyer for at least another year, but don't expect to steal a cheap home in this area. Affordable housing is nonexistent in Wilmington , and cheap homes will barely depreciate. The million dollar homes will actually suffer the most , and therefore present the best opportunities.


For my sellers , don't make the mistake of thinking this problem will blow over quickly. If there is one thing I know about housing, it's that it's seldom a quick process. You may have noticed that I said prices could still fall 15% from their highs a year ago. Especially for higher priced homes, that is still a substantial figure. I have said it before, if you think you may have to sell anytime in the next 3 years, I would sell now. If you think you may have a problem making your payment at some point in the next 3 years, then you will want to sell now, and for a competitive price. Don't make the mistake of chasing the market down. I have attached a great article at the bottom about a couple of homeowners who held out for too long.


Reasons why Wilmington is poised for a huge recovery in the next few years.


Huge improvements to the Wilmington ports. With the weak dollar, and Asian growth, exports have increased substantially around America . Through recent upgrades, the Wilmington Port is reaping great rewards as a result. The Milken Institute's study of Best Performing Cities in America cited this as the #1 reason for ranking Wilmington at #2 in the nation in terms of growth and prosperity. See the attached report at the bottom.


Substantial cut backs in building permits and new homes (Supply) due to sewer moratoriums, and decreased demand. Building permits are down more than 20% on average compared to last year. See the attached report at the bottom.


North Carolina is ranked in the top 3 according to several studies of the Best Business Climates in America . Strong business growth from Asheville , to Charlotte , to Raleigh , on over to Wilmington are making North Carolina one of the hottest spots in the world. See the attached reports at the bottom.

Several cities in North Carolina have been named as the most desirable places in America to live. With a huge part of the Wilmington homeowner population living in other NC cities, this is great news.


General Electric and the increased spending on nuclear energy have already, and will continue to have a huge impact on our local economy. In the process of hiring 900 new employees, I have personally worked with GE relocation employees. Their growth will also substantially contribute to the local tax base.


Stock Tip: I don't normally do this, but PPDI is a stock to look into. In fact I never do this. While researching a proposed expansion, I came across several articles stating that they recently reported 22% higher than expected NET INCOME so far this year !!! Their stock, hasn't seemed to react yet. The expansion is a proposal to add another 400K sqft high rise to their world headquarters downtown. This will employ nearly 1000 more highly educated professionals, and doctors.


The Wilmington Convention Center is going to have a profound effect on this entire area in my opinion. Although it coincided with a national housing boom, the Marriott and Convention Center is what eventually made Carolina Beach a well know beach for 2 nd homes. Carolina Beach experienced price increases of nearly 300% on many properties. I spoke to hundreds of people who found out about Carolina Beach as a result of an event, or simply lodging at the new Marriott, and this is what drove prices so high. I expect the Wilmington Convention Center will also open this area up to hundreds of millions of people across the world as word of mouth spreads about our world class location… Carolina Beach will also be adding - Thu Aug 21 2008, 13:24