Wilmington, North Carolina, offers an enchanting blend of southern hospitality and picturesque coastal beauty. Located along the Cape Fear River, this vibrant city effortlessly captures the hearts of its residents and visitors alike. With its unique flair and rich history, Wilmington is more than just a place to live—it's a way of life.
The
historic downtown district exudes character and charm, boasting cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops, galleries, and inviting cafes. The iconic Riverwalk provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll while enjoying stunning waterfront views. Wilmington's cultural tapestry is enriched by a thriving arts scene, with frequent festivals and events celebrating everything from art to film.
For adventure
4 | HelloWilmington, North Carolina • Spring Issue
Hello Wilmington, North Carolina • Spring Issue |5
Embrace the Coastal Charm of Wilmington,
seekers, pristine beaches are just a short drive away, offering sun-soaked relaxation or thrilling water sports. Meanwhile, the lush green spaces provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Community spirit thrives in Wilmington's diverse neighborhoods, where friendly faces and welcoming smiles are commonplace.
Adding to the appeal are the renowned local dining options, serving up fresh seafood, savory southern dishes, and innovative culinary creations. Wilmington’s dedication to preserving nature and nurturing community makes it a truly harmonious place to call home. Whether you seek...
Embrace the Coastal Charm of Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina, offers an enchanting blend of southern hospitality and picturesque coastal beauty. Located along the Cape Fear River, this vibrant city effortlessly captures the hearts of its residents and visitors alike. With its unique flair and rich history, Wilmington is more than just a place to live—it's a way of life.
The historic downtown district exudes character and charm, boasting cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops, galleries, and inviting cafes. The iconic Riverwalk provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll while enjoying stunning waterfront views. Wilmington's cultural tapestry is enriched by a thriving arts scene, with frequent festivals and events celebrating everything from art to film.
For adventure seekers, pristine beaches are just a short drive away, offering sun-soaked relaxation or thrilling water sports. Meanwhile, the lush green spaces provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and picnicking. Community spirit thrives in Wilmington's diverse neighborhoods, where friendly faces and welcoming smiles are commonplace.
Adding to the appeal are the renowned local dining options, serving up fresh seafood, savory southern dishes, and innovative culinary creations. Wilmington’s dedication to preserving nature and nurturing community makes it a truly harmonious place to call home. Whether you seek tranquility or excitement, Wilmington has it all—where every day can feel like a getaway.
What to Do Before Listing Your House
When homeowners get ready to list their property, most of the focus tends to go inside. Cleaning, decluttering, and staging the interior all matter, but there’s one part of your home that makes a first impression before buyers ever step inside: the front door.Your front door is where buyers pause
while the agent unlocks the house. In that moment, they are forming their initial opinion. Peeling paint, a loose handle, or an outdated light fixture may seem minor, but they send a message about maintenance and attention to detail.Your home’s first moment of impact starts at the front door, so
6 | HelloWilmington, North Carolina • Spring Issue
What to Do Before Listing Your House
When homeowners get ready to list their property, most of the focus tends to go inside. Cleaning, decluttering, and staging the interior all matter, but there’s one part of your home that makes a first impression before buyers ever step inside: the front door.
Your front door is where buyers pause while the agent unlocks the house. In that moment, they are forming their initial opinion. Peeling paint, a loose handle, or an outdated light fixture may seem minor, but they send a message about maintenance and attention to detail.
Your home’s first moment of impact starts at the front door, so make that threshold count.
In Wilmington, where the housing market moves quickly, buyers often visit multiple homes in one afternoon. That means first impressions carry real weight. A clean, well-maintained front entrance creates a sense of care and pride, even before the interior is seen.
Before listing, take a close look at the condition of your door. Is the paint chipped or faded? Are the hinges tight? Does the hardware feel sturdy? These small touches influence how buyers feel about the home overall. A solid, attractive entry can boost curb appeal instantly.
You don’t have to spend a lot. A fresh coat of paint in a welcoming color, polished or modern hardware, and a clean doormat can do wonders. Adding potted plants or updating the porch light adds warmth and personality without much cost. These upgrades are simple but effective, especially when buyers compare your home to others they’ve seen.
Agents in Wilmington often advise sellers to walk up to their home like a buyer would. Look at the landscaping, the door, and the path leading up. Ask yourself what kind of impression it gives. A few small changes here can help set the right tone and get buyers in the right mindset as they step through the door.
First impressions are powerful, and they start before anyone even knocks. Don’t let something as fixable as a front door cost you a potential offer.
Jody Wainio
make that threshold count.In Wilmington, where the housing market moves quickly, buyers often visit multiple homes in one afternoon. That means first impressions carry real weight. A clean, well-maintained front entrance creates a sense of care and pride, even before the interior is seen.Before listing, take a
close look at the condition of your door. Is the paint chipped or faded? Are the hinges tight? Does the hardware feel sturdy? These small touches influence how buyers feel about the home overall. A solid, attractive entry can boost curb appeal instantly.You don’t have to spend a lot. A fresh coat of paint in a welcoming color, polished or modern hardware, and a clean doormat can do wonders. Adding potted plants or updating the porch light adds warmth and personality without much cost. These upgrades are simple but effective, especially when buyers compare your home to others they’ve seen.Agents in Wilmington often advise sellers...
Your home’s first moment of impact starts at the front door, so make that threshold count.
About the Author
Jody Wainio is the owner and managing broker of Buyer’s Choice Realty @ Keller Williams in Wilmington, NC, with nearly four decades of experience guiding buyers and sellers in residential transactions across the region. A certified Workforce Housing Specialist and advocate for affordable housing, she serves as President of the Wilmington REALTORS Foundation and was the 2014 President of the Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS.
HelloWilmington, North Carolina • Spring Issue |7
FEATURED STORY
Keeping Pipes Clear: Proactive Tips to Prevent Clogs
by Al Dimone
Clogs are more than just a hassle. They are a leading cause of plumbing issues in homes. But with a few preventative measures, many of these problems can be avoided, ensuring your plumbing system operates smoothly.An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to plumbing. Over 90% of clogs are preventable with routine maintenance.One of the simplest ways to prevent clogs is to be mindful of what goes down your drains. In the kitchen, avoid disposing of oils, fats, and grease down the sink as they can solidify within your pipes, causing
8 | HelloWilmington, North Carolina • Spring Issue
Al Dimone
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Al DiMone is the founder and owner of DiMone Parlier Plumbing & Irrigation, a leading plumbing company based in Wilmington, North Carolina. With over 35 years of experience, Al's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish DiMone Plumbing from scratch, and later acquire Parlier Plumbing, resulting in the largest plumbing company in the state.
blockages. Instead, collect these in a container and dispose of them in the trash. Also, use a sink strainer to catch food particles and other debris during dishwashing.In bathrooms, hair and soap scum are the usual suspects for clogs. A strainer in your shower or bathtub can catch hair before it goes down the drain. Regular cleaning of the strainer and stopper assembly can also help maintain the flow of water.For households with children, be vigilant about non-flushable items like toys, wipes, and large amounts of toilet paper being flushed down the toilet. Even items labeled as "flushable"
Hello Wilmington, North Carolina • Spring Issue |9
Keeping Pipes Clear: Proactive Tips to Prevent Clogs
Clogs are more than just a hassle. They are a leading cause of plumbing issues in homes. But with a few preventative measures, many of these problems can be avoided, ensuring your plumbing system operates smoothly.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to plumbing. Over 90% of clogs are preventable with routine maintenance.
One of the simplest ways to prevent clogs is to be mindful of what goes down your drains. In the kitchen, avoid disposing of oils, fats, and grease down the sink as they can solidify within your pipes, causing blockages. Instead, collect these in a container and dispose of them in the trash. Also, use a sink strainer to catch food particles and other debris during dishwashing.
In bathrooms, hair and soap scum are the usual suspects for clogs. A strainer in your shower or bathtub can catch hair before it goes down the drain. Regular cleaning of the strainer and stopper assembly can also help maintain the flow of water.
For households with children, be vigilant about non-flushable items like toys, wipes, and large amounts of toilet paper being flushed down the toilet. Even items labeled as "flushable" can lead to blockages over time.
Lastly, consider using bacterial drain cleaners periodically. These biological agents can naturally break down organic matter in your pipes without harming the plumbing or the environment.
By adopting these simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of clogs in your plumbing system, keeping water flowing freely and avoiding unnecessary disruptions to your daily life.
Over 90%of clogs are preventablewith routine maintenance
can lead to blockages over time.Lastly, consider using bacterial drain cleaners periodically. These biological agents can naturally break down organic matter in your pipes without harming the plumbing or the environment.By adopting these simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of clogs in your plumbing system, keeping water flowing freely and avoiding unnecessary disruptions to your daily life.
