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 • Winter Issue
Hello Wilmington, North Carolina • Winter 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.
Simple Tip to Avoid Home-Buying Regret
Buying a home is exciting, but it’s also filled with decisions that can have lasting consequences. One of the most common regrets buyers report, especially in fast-moving markets like Wilmington, is not identifying their must-haves before they start touring homes. It may sound simple, but skipping this
step often leads to rushed decisions and long-term dissatisfaction.Before you look at a single property, take time to think through what really matters in your daily life. Do you need a short commute? A backyard for kids or pets? A home office or quiet street? These are not just preferences; they
6 | HelloWilmington, North Carolina • Winter Issue
Simple Tip to Avoid Home-Buying Regret
Buying a home is exciting, but it’s also filled with decisions that can have lasting consequences. One of the most common regrets buyers report, especially in fast-moving markets like Wilmington, is not identifying their must-haves before they start touring homes. It may sound simple, but skipping this step often leads to rushed decisions and long-term dissatisfaction.
Before you look at a single property, take time to think through what really matters in your daily life. Do you need a short commute? A backyard for kids or pets? A home office or quiet street? These are not just preferences; they are the kinds of things that affect your comfort and routines every day.
A clear list of must-haves helps you stay focused and satisfied throughout your home-buying journey.
It’s easy to get distracted by cosmetic features. A well-staged home with trendy decor can make a strong first impression, but paint colors and countertops are easy to change. Location and layout are not. That’s why having a written list of non-negotiables can help keep your priorities in check. If a home doesn’t meet your core needs, it doesn’t matter how stylish the kitchen looks.
Real estate agents in Wilmington often see buyers fall in love with the “look” of a home, only to realize later that it doesn’t suit their actual lifestyle. That’s when the regret sets in, when buyers think, “I wish I’d thought of that sooner.” This kind of oversight can be avoided with a little planning and self-awareness before you tour.
Your list doesn’t have to be long, but it should be clear. Rank your top three must-haves and share them with your agent. Use them as a filter when reviewing listings or walking through homes. This not only helps narrow your choices but also ensures that you’re comparing houses based on what matters most.
In a market like Wilmington, where homes can sell quickly, clarity is your best tool. Knowing your non-negotiables helps you move confidently and avoid decisions based solely on emotion or surface appeal.
Jody Wainio
countertops are easy to change. Location and layout are not. That’s why having a written list of non-negotiables can help keep your priorities in check. If a home doesn’t meet your core needs, it doesn’t matter how stylish the kitchen looks.Real estate agents in Wilmington often see buyers fall in love with the “look” of a home, only to realize later that it doesn’t suit their actual lifestyle. That’s when the regret sets in, when buyers think, “I wish I’d thought of that sooner.” This kind of oversight can be avoided with a little planning and self-awareness before you tour.Your list doesn’t have to be long, but it should be...
are the kinds of things that affect your comfort and routines every day.A clear list of must-haves helps you stay focused and satisfied throughout your home-buying journey.It’s easy to get distracted by cosmetic features. A well-staged home with trendy decor can make a strong first impression, but paint colors and
A clear list of must-haves helps you stay focused and satisfied throughout your home-buying journey.
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 • Winter 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 • Winter 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 • Winter 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 clogsare preventable with routinemaintenance
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.
