Brunswick County, North Carolina has been named the 50th fastest growing county in the Nation and 1st in the State for 2014. Since 2002, Brunswick County has consistently won accolades as one of the “most desired places to live”, “best family beaches” and “best place to retire”. Currently, Southport, NC is anxiously awaiting the results of a Coastal Living Magazine’s contest for “Happiest Seaside Town” which will be announced in the July/August issue of the magazine scheduled to be on stands in June.To see all 10 of the cities nominated you can visit Coastal Living Magazine’s website https://www.coastalliving.com/travel/happiest-seaside-town

The popularity of the area is reflected in home sales which are expected to continue to increase. In 2014 Brunswick County showed an increase in listings and sales price of existing homes sold as reported by the Brunswick County Board of Realtors.

New homes sales are soaring across the country. According to The Department of Housing and Rural Development and the Census Bureau, new homes sales hit a 7 year high in February 2015. This is the case in Brunswick County too. County building permit requests have been steadily increasing since 2011. The county predicts a 21% increase in building permit applications in 2015. An increase in new home construction should indicate the creation of new jobs, something much needed in this area.

National Association of Realtor’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun predicts that first time home buyers will be active in the market this year. With the mortgage industry ‘opening up”, an improving economy and a push for new construction first time home buyers are posed for a comeback.

We at Carolinas Connect Realty think this is all terrific news and we are excited to assist many buyers and sellers to realize their dreams for a new home for years to come.