Butch Saunders Real Estate Team

06/23/2026

📊 Cape Fear Market Update

The Cape Fear real estate market is continuing to shift, and the latest numbers show something important: buyers may have more room to compare options, while sellers still need a smart pricing strategy to stand out.

Across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties, average days on market are up. That means homes are taking a little longer to sell in many areas — but inventory levels, pricing, and buyer activity still vary by county.

That is why local context matters.

📍 New Hanover County
Average Sales Price: $613K
Home Inventory: 4.70 months
Average Days on Market: 64

📍 Brunswick County
Average Sales Price: $462K
Home Inventory: 5.70 months
Average Days on Market: 91

📍 Pender County
Average Sales Price: $522K
Home Inventory: 4.20 months
Average Days on Market: 68

Headlines only tell part of the story. In a coastal market like ours, location, condition, pricing, inventory, and long-term value all matter when deciding your next move.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, investing, or just wondering what your home may be worth in today’s market, let’s look at the full picture together and build a strategy based on your specific area.

Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®
Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
REMAX Essential | Wilmington, NC
910.262.2627
[email protected]
www.butchsaunders.com
License #272754

06/22/2026

Hello, summer.

Longer days, warmer weather, and more time to enjoy everything coastal living offers — from days on the water to beach evenings, backyard cookouts, and quiet mornings close to home.

As a Wilmington native, this is one of the seasons that reminds me why so many people are drawn to life along the coast. The details matter here — the location, the lifestyle, and the way a home supports how you want to live.

Wishing you a great first day of summer and a season full of good memories.

06/18/2026

Summer is one of the best times to make a strong first impression.

If you’re thinking about selling, curb appeal has a lot to do with how buyers feel before they ever step inside.

A few thoughtful exterior updates can help your home feel more polished, better maintained, and more inviting:

• Check the roofline, eaves, and gutters
• Freshen up landscaping for a clean, cared-for look
• Highlight outdoor living spaces
• Add lighting that feels both functional and welcoming

In a coastal market like Wilmington, presentation matters. Buyers are paying attention to condition, maintenance, and how a property feels from the moment they pull up.

You don’t have to do everything. The right updates are the ones that help your home show well, photograph well, and support your overall selling strategy.

If you’re thinking about selling this season, let’s look at the full picture and talk through the best way to prepare your home before it hits the market.

📲 Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®
Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
📍 REMAX Essential, Wilmington, NC
📞 910.262.2627
📧 [email protected]
🏠 www.butchsaunders.com
License #272754

06/16/2026

The experts close to home — right here in the Cape Fear region.

From Wilmington to the surrounding coastal communities, local knowledge matters.

Buying, selling, relocating, or investing along the coast comes with details that deserve a closer look — location, condition, market trends, long-term value, and what makes sense for your specific goals.

That’s where having a REMAX agent in your corner makes a difference. You get the reach of a trusted national brand with local guidance from someone who understands this market firsthand.

If you want to view a listing, talk through your options, or get a better read on the Cape Fear market, reach out anytime. I’m happy to help you look at the full picture.

Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®
Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
REMAX Essential | Wilmington, NC
910.262.2627
[email protected]
www.butchsaunders.com
License #272754

06/15/2026

🏡 Affordable One-Level Living in Castle Hayne

New to the market in Walnut Hills — 122 Hampton Drive offers solid brick construction, one-level living, and a convenient Castle Hayne location just minutes from Wilmington, I-140, and ILM Airport.

This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath brick ranch has classic curb appeal, a functional floor plan, and plenty of potential for the next owner to make it their own.

✨ Home Highlights
✔️ Brick ranch with low-maintenance exterior
✔️ 3 bedrooms | 1.5 bathrooms
✔️ 1,167 square feet
✔️ Comfortable one-level layout
✔️ Bright living space with easy flow
✔️ Spacious bedrooms for everyday use
✔️ Screened porch and welcoming front porch
✔️ 0.18-acre lot with room for outdoor living, gardening, or future updates

📍 Location Highlights
✔️ Located in the established Walnut Hills community
✔️ Minutes from Wilmington and I-140
✔️ Convenient to Wilmington International Airport
✔️ Easy access to shopping, dining, and major area routes
✔️ Quick access to the greater Cape Fear region

Property Details

📍 122 Hampton Drive, Castle Hayne, NC 28429
🏘️ Community: Walnut Hills
🛏️ 3 Bedrooms
🛁 1.5 Bathrooms
📐 1,167 Sq Ft
🌳 0.18 Acres
💲 Listed at $249,900

This is a practical opportunity for buyers looking for one-level living, a manageable lot, and a home with long-term potential in the Wilmington area.

As with any property, the details matter — condition, location, future plans, and overall value. Reach out if you’d like to walk through the full picture or schedule a showing.

Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®
Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
REMAX Essential | Wilmington, NC
910.262.2627
[email protected]
www.butchsaunders.com
License #272754

Estate sale. Property is being sold as-is.

06/11/2026

🎉 Under Contract in Hampstead

Congratulations to my buyers on going under contract on Lot 2 Doral Drive in the Greenway Plantation community.

This nearly half-acre homesite offers a strong opportunity to build in Hampstead, with a septic permit already in hand and access to the kind of coastal lifestyle many buyers are looking for — public boat ramps, parks, beaches, and everyday amenities all within reach.

Buying land is different from buying a finished home. Septic, setbacks, location, build plans, long-term use, and future value all matter. I’m glad my clients took the time to look at the full picture and secure a property that fits their vision.

Congratulations again to my buyers on this exciting next step.

If you’re thinking about buying land, building a custom home, or selling property in Hampstead or the surrounding coastal communities, reach out anytime. I’m happy to help you walk through the details.

Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®
Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
REMAX Essential | Wilmington, NC
910.262.2627
[email protected]
www.butchsaunders.com
License #272754

06/10/2026

Luxury lives in the moments you don’t rush.

Morning light across the water. A quiet start to the day. Nothing competing for your attention.

That is what it means to bring luxury home.

The REMAX Collection represents properties designed not just to impress, but to be lived in fully and intentionally. From remarkable settings to thoughtful design, luxury is often found in the way a home feels day after day.

If you are considering a luxury move in Wilmington or along the Cape Fear coast, let’s look at the full picture and talk through what matters most to you.

Discover a life defined by ease.

Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®
Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
REMAX Essential | Wilmington, NC
910.262.2627
[email protected]
www.butchsaunders.com
License #272754

06/10/2026

'Thinking about selling this season? One of the smartest moves you can make is taking a careful look at how your home is presented.

Staging is not about making a home look decorated. It is about helping buyers understand the space, see the value, and picture how the property could work for them.

For some homes, a few warm seasonal touches can make the space feel inviting. For others, a clean, timeless approach may be the better strategy. The right answer depends on the property, the market, and the buyers you are trying to reach.

If you’re thinking about selling in Wilmington or along the coast, let’s look at the full picture and talk through the best way to prepare your home before it hits the market.

Learn more: https://rem.ax/RMXESPStagingSmarts062026

📲 Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®
Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
📍REMAX Essential, Wilmington, NC
📞 910.262.2627
📧 [email protected]
🏠 www.butchsaunders.com
License # 272754

Seasonal touches can charm buyers, but for some homes, strategic staging is all about knowing your audience.

06/06/2026

Under Contract in Kure Beach! 🌊🏡

Exciting news—214 Fifth Avenue N in the highly desirable Beachwalk community is officially UNDER CONTRACT! Even better?

This beautifully updated beach retreat offered everything buyers are searching for in Kure Beach living—from the renovated kitchen with a stunning 9-foot island to spacious ensuite bedrooms and a peaceful, residential setting just steps from the beach, restaurants, and the iconic Kure Beach Pier.

With private community amenities including a pool, tennis courts, and a residence center, plus no required flood insurance, this home delivered the perfect blend of comfort, lifestyle, and location. It’s easy to see why this one stood out! ☀️🌴

Congratulations to everyone involved on reaching this exciting milestone.

📍 3 BD | 3.5 BA | 1,925 SQ FT
💰 Originally Listed at $799,900 | Currently Listed at $749,900
📌 MLS #100555536
🔗 https://rem.ax/Butch214FifthAvenueN

Thinking about buying or selling along the coast? Let’s connect and make your next move happen.

📲 Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®
Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
📍 REMAX Essential, Wilmington, NC
📞 910.262.2627
📧 [email protected]
🏠 www.butchsaunders.com
License # 272754

06/05/2026

🎉 Just Closed in Wilmington

Congratulations to my buyers on the successful closing of their new home at 1320 Brookside Gardens Drive in Wilmington.

It was a pleasure representing them through the purchase of this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the gated Brookside Gardens community. With one-level living, soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, an open-concept layout, and a spacious owner’s suite, this property offered the kind of comfort, function, and location that matter long-term.

The screened lanai, paver patio, corner lot, and community amenities — including the pool, clubhouse, walking trails, and maintained grounds — all added to the overall value and lifestyle this home provides.

Thank you to Michael Rheel with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties for a smooth transaction.

To my clients, thank you for trusting me to guide you through this purchase. I’m excited for you as you settle into this next chapter.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Wilmington, let’s look at the full picture and make sure your next move is a smart, informed one.
Butch Saunders, Broker / REALTOR®

Team Lead, Butch Saunders Team
Owner, Essential Rental Management
REMAX Essential | Wilmington, NC
910.262.2627
[email protected]
www.butchsaunders.com
License #272754