What to Ask Yourself When Buying Homes or Condos in North Carolina

Purchasing a home or condo along North Carolina's Crystal Coast is not only an investment, but for many homebuyers, a dream. Coastal Carolina is an ideal place to call home and this fall, the local real estate market is making it easy to land a great deal on a fantastic property. 

However, if you're unsure if now is the right time for you, these 3 questions can help you decide about timing your purchase in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro or Pine Knoll Shores.

Ask: Why am I buying a home?

When you know your main reason for purchasing a new home on the Crystal Coast, you can move forward. Set your finances aside for a moment and get down to the basics. A few strong reasons might include: 

• A good place to raise your family
• School districts
• A place where you feel welcome, at home, or safe
• More space
• More control over your home

Ask: Where are mortgage rates going?

Mortgage rates are a huge factor to consider when buying a home or condo in North Carolina. But you're in luck! Right now, mortgage rates are lower than they have been in over a year. 

Ask: Where are home values going?

Another important factor to consider if you'll be selling your current property in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro or Pine Knoll Shores. Home values will continue to rise as we move forward— experts suggesting by 4% in 2015. By 2018, cumulative appreciation may range from 11 to 19 percent.

As your local real estate experts in Coastal Carolina, Gena Gilbert Real Estate is here to help you find the best home at the best possible price. Contact us today to see what's available in your area!

Gena Gilbert

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Enjoy North Carolina's Crystal Coast This Weekend!

We live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the country— North Carolina's Crystal Coast! As your Coastal Carolina real estate experts, we're happy to share the places that we enjoy most and upcoming events that you can visit. This weekend there are many opportunities for exploring the communities of  Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro and Pine Knoll Shores  Be sure to add these to your to-do list for a wonderful fall day trip or weekend-long stay!

28th Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival
Friday, October 3 through October 5, 2014
Morehead City, NC

The largest festival in Eastern North Carolina, this seafood event kicks off tomorrow in Morehead City! Here you can find FREE entertainment from both local and regional talents, sailing events, surf and pier fishing contests, an 8K road race, activities and playground for the kids, plus the FREE Southern Outer Banks Boat Show. This event is held on the waterfront and all are welcome to attend for no cost! Don't miss the seafood, fireworks, local vendors and more!

Fireworks Cruise
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Morehead City, NC

Along with the Seafood Festival comes this fireworks cruise on the Crystal Coast Lady. Participants can enjoy an extended three-hour dinner cruise from 7 to 10 PM, plus an extra hour of cruising while marveling over the Morehead City fireworks display. The cruise will sail the Morehead City waterfront and admission is $34 for adults, $20 for children.

8th Annual Flounder Surf Fishing Tournament
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Beaufort, NC

What better way to follow the Crystal Coast lifestyle than with fishing? This 8th annual event involves catching flounder by fishing on foot (whether that be from the pier, surf, inlet or sound) anywhere from Fort Macon to Emerald Isle. This weekend will be perfect weather to spend a day on the water!

North Carolina's Crystal Coast is an idyllic place to call home if you love the beach, sun and sand. Not only do these events offer a fun weekend outing, but a chance to celebrate all things coastal with seafood and fishing!

Contact us today if you're interested in making this beautiful place your home! We're happy to share which properties are available in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro and Pine Knoll Shores. 

Gena Gilbert

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How Your Crystal Coast, North Carolina Home Can Make You Happier

After a long day, who doesn't want to come home to their Crystal Coast oasis and unwind? If your home already lifts your spirits, then you're already ahead. However, if you think your North Carolina home could use a boost of happiness, the following tips can help you make it happen:

Light
Natural light can make anyone smile, so decide how you can let more into your home in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport  Throw open the curtains and soak up the sun, even allowing the sun to fill all corners of the room is a great health booster. The sun can help dry up excess moisture and create an overall calming space.

Color
If you live on the Crystal Coast, maybe colors with a nod to the ocean have taken precedence in your home. Calming blues and light greens are perfect for a Coastal Carolina home and even if they are only touches of color, they can instantly elevate your mood when you walk in the door. Using color in a conversational space like the living room is ideal as it tends to prompt interaction. 

Scent
Living so close to the water, especially if you're in a waterfront condo or home, can welcome that calming scent inside. Scent is strongly linked to emotion and can significantly affect the current emotions you're feeling. But regardless of where you are along the Crystal Coast, keep in mind that smells like lavender and jasmine, basil and mint can lift your mood.

Plants and Pets
These two factors tend to give a property the feeling of home. Pets are comforting, but if you can't have one, plants are also a great idea. Taking care of something and watching it grow is relaxing and has been known to evoke happiness, not to mention they add character to your home.

I'm here to help you find the Coastal Carolina home that makes you happy! Contact me today for a list of available waterfront condos, homes as well as other properties in the area. 

Gena Gilbert

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Crystal Coast Real Estate Rules for Making an Offer

It may be the end of the summer, but North Carolina homebuyers are still motivated to purchase properties before the fall rolls around. If that's you, it's important to work with your local real estate agent (the team at Gena Gilbert Real Estate can help!) and remember these rules for making an offer on a Coastal Carolina home:

Be respectful and likable
Your offer on a home for sale is a representation of you— so present your best self. You don't want to say anything negative that might turn off a home seller or make unreasonable requests like a super fast closing date.

Don't lowball and don't overreach
There's a fine line when it comes to the price you should offer a home seller. It's best to ask your real estate agent for advice and remember to avoid putting in a lowball offer that might insult the seller. It's also just as crucial not to overreach with an offer you can't afford just to beat out the others.

Be prepared
Before you start your home search for condos in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport  it's wise to get pre-approved. This way, you'll be prepared to buy and ready when a seller accepts your offer. When you put in an offer on a Crystal Coast waterfront home or condo, be ready for a yes— if it's a no, you can always restructure your offer or keep hunting.

Keep yourself in mind
With a market brimming with motivated homebuyers, some are waiving the home inspection just to get their offer approved first. However, you don't want to sabotage yourself. Keep in mind your own best interests— with your agent's help, you can find a strong offer that works for both you and the seller.

Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today for a list of available homes in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, and Newport that meet your wants and needs!

Gena Gilbert

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