Welcome to the Brittany Allen Group's Tips, Tricks, & Ideas about Home Ownership as well as everything about the Wilmington NC area!

 

The home buying and selling process can be stressful. We have several tips to help make your experience go a little smoother. You'll also find lots of information about the Wilmington North Carolina area, straight from a local :)

Have a question, feedback, or anything else to add? Tag us on Facebook at #BrittanyAllenGroup and we will answer it here!

 

Jan. 8, 2019

Open House

 

Open House 

 

 

Join us Saturday January 12th from 10:00-12:00 at 307 Lennox Place! This beautiful home is nestled on an almost half acre cul-de-sac lot! The kitchen features white cabinets, new granite counters and stainless appliances including built in microwave, glass top stove, dishwasher and fridge. The home has a spacious 2nd living room, formal dining room and an upstairs office! There is a new HVAC including duct work. Plumbing is updated and has all new vanities. Crawlspace has new insulation & vapor barrier. Fresh paint throughout the interior. Also the home features an attached 2 car side loading garage and a new driveway. 

This renovated house features:

  • 4 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • 1 half bathroom
  • New vinyl plank floors throughout the living areas
  • Modern kitchen
  • Wood burning fireplace
  • Vaulted ceiling in the family room 
  • No HOA
  • New storm door on back door

 

Don't miss out on seeing this home! We hope to see you at the open house!

Posted in Open House
Jan. 4, 2019

Why winter is the new spring cleaning

 

Housework = Workout

Too cold for 6am workouts? Too dark for an evening run? Well put on your favorite station on the radio and get your workout in at home! Dusting, vacuuming, mopping and scrubbing are all options to burn calories. Not just in your body but in your home as well. Purging all the unnecessary items in your house is the first start to getting your house healthy and clean.

 

Less Clutter = Less Mildew

Did you know, the more stuff you cram in your closets the more likely it is you'll have issues with mildew during the winter months? To limit the amount of mildew get rid of all the items you don't use, like those extra bins full of random stuff that "one day you will use". Purge clothes you have not worn in 6 months, go through all your glassware and limit it down to what you use mostly, throw away the millions of blankets and sheets that are collecting dust in your linen closet. Doing all these steps will help you feel good about your house and your house will be cleaner!

 

Staying Home is More Fun If It's Clean

In the winter we all tend to not want to be out and about in the cold. Use the time to brighten up and declutter your living spaces. Take half an hour and wipe down the furniture surfaces, folding and putting away laundry and placing your household items in the correct place. If you have pictures on your fridge, try taking those down and placing them somewhere else like inside the pantry door and see how calming the kitchen feels.

 

By the end of winter your house will be all tidy and you won't have to waste away your days in the spring getting your house in order. You will be able to enjoy more time outdoors and with your family!

Posted in Winter Tips
Nov. 26, 2018

New Listing

Hello, 2929 Country Club Drive!!

 

This move in ready cottage style house is waiting for its next owners! This house features:

  • 3 bedrooms
  • 2 bathrooms
  • office space
  • Open living area
  • Laminate floors throughout the house
  • Granite counter tops
  • Updated kitchen
  • Stainless steal appliances
  • Back porch
  • Patio
  • Fenced back yard 

Additional Photos below!

 

               

 

               

 

                

 

                

 

              

 

             

 

 

 

If you love this house or know somebody that would, contact us and we would love the opportunity to help you!!

 

-The Brittany Allen Group

Posted in New Listing
Nov. 13, 2018

Make Your Home Winter Ready

Getting yourself ready for winter is easy!! You have your hat, gloves, jacket, and boots all in front of you! But getting your home ready for a LONG cold winter is another story! So until someone can snap their fingers and your house be ready immediately, we have some organizing to do! Below are some tips to help you get your house ready for a LONG cold winter!

 

 

 

Saving

Organizing your home for the winter can seem like an unnecessary chore to do! But it will help you financially in the long run. During the winter season your heating bill can be expensive and if your windows are poorly insulated, plumbing breaks or your heating system is not up to date your in big trouble! Prepping your hoe can save you a lot of money while protecting your home! 

 

Break It Down

If you have a giant to-do list it can become overwhelming! Break the job down into a couple different jobs and conquer it over the weekends! First you will want to check your windows! Check each one for drafts and insulation needs! The next week, check the pipes to avoid a burst in those colder months. 

 

Steps to prepare for a safe winter season

Step 1

Prep the Plumbing

Drain your outdoor faucets and hoses if you have any. If you have any sprinkler system in ground you will want to get someone to flushed out so they don't bust! Inspect any pipes are that prone to freezing in the house and use heat tape to secure them to keep them warm during the colder months. 

 

Step 2

Chimney Check

Do you enjoy sitting by a nice warm fire in the winter? If you do, ensure your fireplace is ready to provide you with warm nights all winter! Before burning a fire you will want to get your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Also while having the chimney checked don't forget to have a professional perform a routine check on your heating systems before the colder weather arrives! The routine check will include, vacuuming the vents and other components included. Check your furnace filter and if it needs to be replaced then replace it. 

 

Step 3

Seal Any Leaks

During the winter you will want to keep the drafts to a minimum. Install storm doors and windows if needed! If your missing weather stripping or it is worn, replace them! Caulk any gaps in your windows to eliminate those drafts going through your home. If any pipes need to be replaced or tapped make sure you get those taken care of before it is too late!!

 

Who will you call for your furnace inspection?

 

If you need recommendations let us know! 

910- 679-6525

Recommendations with be up next on our blog! 

 

XoXo- The Brittany Allen Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Winter Tips
Nov. 6, 2018

1253 Wellington Ave

Good Morning!! 

 

We have listed a few condos that you will want to see!!! This condo is on Wellington Ave, conveniently located near New Hanover County Regional Hospital, Downtown Wilmington, and all Midtown Wilmington has to offer!

 

This condo offers:

  • 2 bedroom
  • 2 bathroom
  • 2nd floor end unit with side deck
  • Move in ready
  • Laminate floors throughout living areas
  • Newer carpet in bedrooms
  • Spacious master bedroom
  • Additional storage space attic 
  • HOA

 

 

Be sure to check this gem out!!! For more information feel free to contact us at,

910-679-6525

 

-The Brittany Allen Group

Posted in New Listing
Oct. 22, 2018

Weekly Local Hot Spot

Rise Biscuits Donuts

 

The best part of trying all these great local spots is sharing with

you all about the yummy dishes I get to experience!

 

 If you want a good donut or a filling breakfast sandwich this is the place to eat!

 

For months I have been wanting to go to Rise and try their breakfast sandwiches!

Last week I went and got the avocado toast! Oh my goodness ... It was amazing!

This sandwich had guacamole, tomato, fried egg, Boom Boom sauce

and crispy onions inside a butter-toasted biscuit. 

 

 

Another great suggestion is their donuts ..... mmm mmm mmm

The donut I got was a banana pudding donut. The center was filled with banana pudding, topped with crumbled vanilla wafers and glaze!! 

 

Rise is a great place if you are looking for a quick bite to eat on the go or even if you 

want to meet friends there and hang out!

I will definitely visit soon and try other items on their menu!!

 

Have a great Monday!

 

Posted in Local Hot Spots
Oct. 16, 2018

Fall Home Decor Trends 2018

It is finally fall and the weather is slowly but surely getting cooler. I did some research about fall home decor trends and some people think, "I have to have everything orange, brown, reds, etc" But that isn't the case. Fall decor doesn't mean to go out to your local home decor store and buy a bunch of faux pumpkins, signs, leaves, etc. Or pulling out your container from the basement/storage building  with accessories that you add on top of what you already have. Below you will see the strong Fall Trend for 2018!!! 

 


Oversized Florals

Oversized florals and patterns are the trend for this Fall. You could reverse this comforter and use the oversized floral pillows to showcase the trend or use the pillows on your couch. 

 

Lighting

 

The lighting is one of my favorite parts of fall! You can make a space so cozy when you add a little bit of lights!

 

 

Textures

Big chunky textures are a great way to add some fall to your home! I don't know about you but looking at these makes me want to pull all of my textured decor out and get cozy!

 

 

 

Matte Black and Black Accents

Adding a pop of black here and there around your house is a great statement piece!

 

 

 

Gold and Natural Tones

 

 

 

Blush!!!

Think about adding a little bit of blush in your decor. You can throw in pillows or even a fun table or dresser!

 

 

 

 

Velvets

I have velvet pillows on my couch and it is the perfect Fall touch to our living room. You can switch out different patterns of velvet throughout the year! I got my pillow covers from Pottery Barn!

 

 

Well that was fun providing all these great Fall decor ideas with you! If you have any ideas that you know of let us know! We love new ideas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Fall
Oct. 9, 2018

Mosquito Repellant Plants

Your sitting outside on a gorgeous night and you keep getting bit by those annoying mosquitos! The county has sprayed numerous times but it just doesn't get the job done! Well there are plants you can plant in planters and place around your home to help keep them away!!! Instead of using bug spray these plants will be sure to keep them away!

Citronella Grass

Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass is the most commonly used natural ingredient in bug repellants. This low maintenance plant does best if you plant them in large planters. Why? Because it cannot withstand frost, but in warmer climates can be planted in the ground in a sunny area. When you go to buy Citronelle, make sure you buy Cybopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus.

 

Lavender

 

Lavender has such a lovely smell and it comes from the plants essential oils. you can find the essential oils on the leaves of the plant. Lavender is tough and drought resistant once it is fully established. The only thing lavender needs is full sun and good drainage. This plant thrives in warmer climate temperatures, but can survive in others.

 

Scented Geraniums

 

This plant has a lemon flavor for keeping the mosquitos away. These are fast growing plants that like warm, sunny, dry climates. You can plant them in planters and will have to prune them often.

 

Marigolds

 

Marigolds are an easy to grow flower. The smell of marigolds deters mosquitos. You can grow them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance of your home to keep the bugs away. 

 

Catnip

 

Catnip also known as (catmint) can be found living almost anywhere. Catnip is from the mint family and grows abundantly. This plant is a low maintenance plant. According to the study from Iowa State University, catmint was found to be ten times more effective than DEET, which is the chemical used in most insect repellants. 

 

Rosemary

Another great mosquito repellant is rosemary! As a lot of us know rosemary is an herb that has a woody scent. The woody scent is what keeps the mosquitos away. Rosemary does best in hot and dry climates and they thrive in containers.

 

Basil

 

Basil is another herb that is very poplar to use as a mosquito repellant. Not only does basil keep mosquitos away it also keeps FLIES away!! This herb likes to be kept damp with good drainage and lots of sun!

 

 

So now that you have these wonderful plants to keep those annoying mosquitos away, who is going to plant this weekend?? I know I will be!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Planting
Oct. 4, 2018

October Home of the Month

Meet the beautiful 502 Superior Road!!

 

This 3 bedrooms 2 full bathrooms is awaiting its next owners!

 

The front porch is waiting for rocking chairs and Fall mums and pumpkins! You can enjoy an evening swinging on the porch and watching the birds fly in.

 

This gorgeous kitchen is so inviting and ready to entertain! It offers beautiful white cabinets, granite counters, stainless appliances, tall cabinetry, tile backsplash gas stove and a long bar. 

 

The living room has a vaulted ceiling with a gas fireplace and beautiful built-ins.

 

The master suite has 2 closets and a full bathroom. The master bedroom has brand new carpet!! The bathroom features a double vanity with 2 sinks, walk-in shower and a jacuzzi tub.

 

 

The bonus room is a very spacious space for either a game room, office or play area!! 

 

If you love spending time outside then this back screened porch calls your name!! This is a great area to spending family time together, entertain or read a good book!! 

 

 

If you are in love this home as much as we are, don't hesitate to contact us! We would love the opportunity to help you find your next dream home!!!

 

XOXO,

The Brittany Allen Group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Featured Homes
Sept. 24, 2018

Hurricane Florence Relief in Wilmington NC

Wilmington NC got hit by Hurricane Florence and left many people devastated. Many people lots their homes, personal items, animals, and even loved ones. There have been many resources that have been a huge help in our Wilmington area. Below you will see a few of the sites you can go to and donate or call and volunteer. 

 

American Red Cross: 

ARC is accepting cash donations online at www.redcross.org. 

 

Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army are accepting donations online at www.give.helpsalvationarmy.org or phone 800-725-2769.

 

Local Churches:

Contact your local churches to see what might they need at their location or how you can volunteer to help. 

 

Samaritans Purse:

If you looking to volunteer, go to www.spvolunteer.org and sign up. This program will lead you in the direction of what needs to be done. Projects include, assisting with mud-outs, roof tarping, chainsaw work and debris cleanup. 

 

Thank you for all your help and donations to our beloved city!! Lets get Wilmington rebuilt and lend a helping hand!

 

XoXo

The Brittany Allen Group