Leigh with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties

09/26/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE WORD OF THE DAY: Lien

A lien is a legal claim against a property, usually because money is owed. Common examples include a mortgage lien, unpaid property taxes, or certain contractor debts.

Why does it matter? Before a home can typically transfer to a new owner, liens tied to the property need to be identified and properly addressed.

Real estate comes with a lot of terminology, but understanding a few key terms can make the buying and selling process feel a whole lot easier.

Leigh Saunders
BHHS Carolina Premier Properties

09/24/2026

09/24/2026

📍 LOCAL WITH LEIGH | WEEKEND EDITION

Looking for something to do around Wilmington this weekend? From live music and a black-tie gala to local history and Sunday night poker, there’s plenty happening around town.

🎸 The Wailers + Signal Fire
Friday, Sept. 25 | 6 PM
Waterline Brewing Company
Celebrate 50 Years of Positive Vibrations with The Wailers, Marley classics, and an evening of live music along the river.

🎤 Sounds of Freedom Benefit Concert featuring Belles
Friday, Sept. 25 | 6 PM
Brooklyn Arts Center
An evening of music supporting Project SOAR and veterans with disabilities through ACCESS of Wilmington.

✨ 10th Anniversary ONE Gala
Friday, Sept. 25 | 6:30 PM
Plaza on Princess
Cocktails, dinner, auctions, music, and dancing come together for a black-tie evening supporting an important local cause.

🎸 The Reverend Horton Heat
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 5 PM
The Eagle’s Dare
Rockabilly, surf, swing, and plenty of energy with Messer Chups and The Phantom PlayBoys joining the lineup.

🕵️ Wilmington True Crime Tour
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 5 PM
Downtown Wilmington
Take a walk through some of Wilmington’s darker history with stories of murder, espionage, and events dating back to the 1840s.

🎶 The Sardines
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7 PM
Avenue B
Local indie and psych-rock with The Sardines and Croatoa.

🃏 World Tavern Poker Night
Sunday, Sept. 27 | 5 PM
Backspin Social
Free No-Limit Texas Hold’em with no buy-in or gambling—just a fun way to wrap up the weekend.

Save this one for your weekend plans, and follow along for more of what’s happening around Wilmington. 🤍

— Leigh Saunders
Local with Leigh

09/23/2026

Real estate is about the homes, but it’s really about the people. 🤍

Before real estate, I spent nearly 20 years in the restaurant industry, where I learned a lot about hard work, problem-solving, and taking care of people. Those lessons followed me straight into this career—and they’re still a big part of how I serve my clients today.

Now, I’m grateful to call Wilmington home and to have helped hundreds of clients navigate buying, selling, and investing in real estate.

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me on the boat my dog, in the garden, or enjoying everything that makes life here along the coast so special.

Whether you’re thinking about making a move or simply have a question about the local market, I’m always happy to be a resource.

Leigh Saunders
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties
📱 401.413.1735

09/22/2026

🏡 You may not be able to control mortgage rates—but you have more control than you might think.

If higher rates have you questioning whether now is the right time to buy, it may help to shift the focus to the pieces of the equation you can influence.

Your credit score can impact the rate and loan terms you qualify for. The type and term of your loan can also make a difference, which is why comparing your options with a trusted lender is so important.

And don’t overlook new construction. Some builders are offering mortgage-rate buydowns and other incentives that could make the numbers look very different than you expected.

The goal isn’t to wait around for the “perfect” rate. It’s to understand your options, know your numbers, and make a move when it makes sense for you.

If buying is on your radar, I’d be happy to help you explore what’s available and connect you with trusted local lending resources.

Leigh Saunders | BHHS Carolina Premier Properties

09/21/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE WORD OF THE DAY: ESTOPPEL

Today’s word is one you may not hear every day, but it can play an important role in real estate — estoppel.

An estoppel certificate is a document used to confirm important facts about an existing lease, such as the current rent, lease terms, security deposit, and whether either party has outstanding obligations.

Why does it matter? When a property with tenants is being sold or refinanced, it helps everyone involved verify that the lease information is accurate before moving forward.

Another real estate term worth knowing — because understanding the language of real estate can make the process a whole lot easier. 🏡

Leigh Saunders
BHHS Carolina Premier Properties

09/18/2026

🏡 THE CAPE FEAR MARKET IS SHIFTING — AND THAT’S CREATING OPPORTUNITY.

August’s numbers show a housing market moving at a more measured pace. Buyers have more homes to choose from and a little more time to make decisions, while homes are still selling throughout the Wilmington area.

Here’s a quick look at the August 2026 Wilmington MSA numbers:

🏠 1,435 new listings — up 2.7% year over year
🔑 1,138 pending sales — up 13.1% year over year
📍 1,072 closed sales
💰 $420,000 median sales price
📊 4.3 months of inventory

For buyers, more inventory can mean more choices and negotiating room. For sellers, it means pricing and presentation matter even more.

The market may be changing, but opportunities are still there. If you’re wondering what these numbers mean for your next move, I’d be happy to talk through it with you.

Leigh Saunders | REALTOR®
BHHS Carolina Premier Properties

09/17/2026

🏡 BUYERS, FALL MAY BE YOUR WINDOW.

If buying a home has been on your mind, the next few weeks are worth paying attention to.

Historically, this time of year can create a shift in favor of buyers — and 2026 is shaping up similarly. More homes to choose from, less competition, and properties spending a little longer on the market can give buyers something they haven’t always had lately: breathing room.

Nationally, the week of September 27–October 3 is expected to offer one of the strongest combinations of inventory, pricing, and reduced buyer competition this year. And the opportunity doesn’t disappear when that week ends — October traditionally brings favorable conditions in many markets.

🔗https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2026/09/16/the-best-time-to-buy-a-home-in-2026-is-almost-here

Of course, real estate is local, and the “right” time to buy depends on much more than a date on the calendar.

If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines, this may be a good time to start looking at what’s available and get a plan in place.

📲 Leigh Saunders
BHHS Carolina Premier Properties