SHACKLEFORD ISLAND ON THE SOUTHERN OUTER BANKS OF NC

SHACKLEFORD ISLAND ON THE SOUTHERN OUTER BANKS OF NC
WALKING WITH WILD MUSTANGS ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Moving Tips for Coastal Carolina Homebuyers


Whether you're moving in the heat of summer or the holiday hustle and bustle of the holidays, moving is a stressful process. And no matter if you've done it before or have just purchased your first home on the Crystal Coast— homebuyers can always use moving tips, especially from real estate experts. Below are a few tips for moving that can help you in your moving process to new homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle and make your transition into new homeowner a smooth one:

Find a Reliable Moving Company
Many times homeowners don't desire to do all of the heavy lifting themselves— hauling belongings from one piece of Crystal Coast real estate to the next— in which case you will need a moving company. It can be tough to find a reliable moving company, especially if this is the first time you're hiring one. Oftentimes, your real estate agent has a recommendation and can refer you to one of their own. Contact your real estate agent for referrals on these types of companies.

Make a List, Check It Twice
It never hurts to be too organized and there is no such thing as too organized. Make a timeline for your move and all of the moving parts and steps that will be involved. Break down the tasks that you should be doing each week and the pieces that should be moved during which times. It can also help to color coordinate boxes and keep a log of them with your timeline and checklist. The earlier you start, the easier it will be come moving time!

Make a Budget
Many times new homeowners do not estimate the amount of money it might take to move to a new homes in North Carolina. Real estate agents are always better equipped to discuss the budget of a move and what to account for in that budget— always contact your real estate agent with questions in this area. If your budget is tight for your move, your agent will be able to help you get it down to the essentials and keep costs low.

Get Recommendations
Again, finding the right moving company and all of the other services you'll need for a move can be difficult. It's helpful to get recommendations from friends, family, and your local real estate expert who can guarantee a reliable, trusted service for you and your move. You'll save time and money in the long run when you use a trusted company with a proven record. KCM even recommends real estate agents "provide [their] clients with a list of people [they] recommend, including a cleaner, exterminator, interior decorator, handyman, contractor, and anyone else [they] find necessary or helpful to clients during the moving process."


Gena Gilbert

Thursday, December 12, 2013

How to Celebrate the Holidays on the Crystal Coast

Carteret County Arts and Crafts, Holiday Show and Sale
Through Sunday, December 15, 2013; 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday, 
1 PM to 5 PM Sunday
Morehead Plaza Shopping Center

Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition (CCACC) invites you to join them as they celebrate 35 years of bring local arts and crafts to the Crystal Coast! This is a great time to pick up last minute holiday gifts!

Ice Skating on the Morehead City Waterfront

December 6 through January 1, 2014
Katherine Davis Park Parking Lot 

Skating session times:

Monday - Friday 6:00, 7:00, 8:00
Saturday 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00
Sunday 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00


A fun way to celebrate the holiday season with skating on the Morehead City Waterfront. The Morehead City Parks and Recreation Department will be operating an artificial ice skating rink from Friday, December 6 through Wednesday, January 1— closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Skating fees are $5.00 per skater (fee includes rental skates) for each 45-minute skating session.


Historic Beaufort Candlelight Homes Tour

December 14, 2013; 5 PM to 8 PM
Beaufort NC

How magical to tour Beaufort at night! Tour private homes in Beaufort and ride on the double-decker bus with carolers from local churches. Homeowners will open their doors so that the public can delight in their festive décor and decorations. 


Beaufort Holiday Art Walk

December 14, 2013; 1 PM to 5 PM
Historic Downtown Beaufort

Enjoy this festive day in downtown historic Beaufort and celebrate the season with art receptions and open houses at many downtown locations. A wide variety of art from regional artists will be showcased throughout many of the downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. The Art Walk will begin at The Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St.


Morehead City Christmas Parade

December 14, 2013; 11 AM
Downtown Morehead City

What better way to celebrate the season than with a holiday parade? The Morehead City Christmas Parade will begin downtown at 11 AM for all who wish to come out and enjoy.



Gena Gilbert


Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Host the Holidays Stress-Free at Your Coastal Carolina Home


The holidays are here on the Crystal Coast and many homeowners will be hosting guests at their homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle. And while you may be prepared for the holidays, your home may not be. These common problems happen in homes in North Carolina every year, be prepared to fix them! And when the time comes to sell your homes in North Carolina, your property will be twice as ready for the sale.
Your Oven Won't Heat
This is perhaps the biggest issue when it comes to hosting holidays at your home. But the oven not working can be prevented. Do not self-clean your oven until after the holidays to avoid blowing a fuse in the oven or damaging the thermostat.
The Sink Clogs
You'll likely be doing a lot of cooking this holiday season and using your kitchen sink will be happening more frequently. And did you know the holiday season is the busiest for plumbers? Avoid having to call one by not sending fats or oils down your kitchen sink, they will only solidify and cause problems. Always make sure your garbage disposal is running before you use it and "
never feed it any stringy, fibrous, or starchy foods like poultry skins or potato peels," advised Houselogic.
The Fridge Won't Cool
You need heat in the winter, but when you're storing all of your holiday food in the fridge with no cold air— that's a problem. To avoid this holiday problem, get a thermometer to keep inside the fridge and make sure each shelf stays below 40 degrees. You can also check the back of the fridge to make sure the coils are free to breathe— if they're not, that can stop a fridge from cooling properly.
The holidays are hectic, but your homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort don't have to be. Get a handle on your home maintenance before the guests arrive and your holiday will be as smooth as can be!

Gena Gilbert

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Homes for Sale in Morehead City NC

Have you decided to purchase a home on the Crystal Coast? Now is a great time! There is so much Carteret County, NC can offer homebuyers and these homes for sale in Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City NC may be just the places for you to call home! 

Take a look, start your home search on our website, and contact us today to discuss your options for Crystal Coast real estate and how to move forward in your homebuyer journey!



405 A Mansfield Parkway
Morehead City NC 28557
3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 1 half bath
2200 square ft.

Price: $368,000

Seller is Motivated-Outstanding Price. Spectacular Sound Views. Beautifully Furnished (with exceptions) End unit with additional end window providing 180 degree Panoramic Sound Views. Private Elevator. Reverse floor plan with main living area on 3rd floor. Large Decks on each floor overlooking Sound. Main Deck has roll out Awning Sunscreen. Single Garage and parking spot. Enjoy sitting on your deck and watching the boats pass by on the Sound. Centrally located near Shopping, Schools, Medical Facilities, Beach, Water Access for Boating.

View Property


917 Lord Granville Dr
Morehead City NC 28557
3 bedroom | 2 bathrooms | 1 half bath
2450 square ft.

Price: $244,500

Owner is Motivated, just reduced the price by $35,000. Spacious Home located in Brandywine Bay SD , a gated community with amenities available. Open Floor plan with Large Living Room w/Fireplace, Surround Sound, Formal Dining Room plus breakfast area & Bar. Double Garage, Patio in Rear, Covered Front Porch. Beautiful Neighborhood near Shopping, Schools, Medical Facilities, Water Access and Beaches.


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406 Sandfiddler Court
Morehead City NC 28557
5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | 1 half bath
5525 square ft.

Price: $2,100,000

Experience Gentle Breezes, Panoramic Water Views, and Gorgeous Sunsets over the water. Only minutes to Crystal Coast Beaches. Must see this Spectacular Custom 5 BR 4.5 BA Home for yourself! Boating, golfing, shopping, fine restaurants, medical facilities, are all close by. 

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216 Lord Granville 
Morehead City NC 28557
3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 0 half bath
1862 square ft.

Price: $224,500

Just Reduced Like NEW gutted and reconstructed in 2012 on desirable lot in Brandywine S/D. All NEW: siding & trim, 2 car garage w/LOTS of attic storage, screened breezeway & back porch,windows,patio door,kitchen cabinets,countertops, flooring, kitchen appliances, interior painted, new flooring, new roof; gorgeous solid wood ceiling in great room - heat pump replaced new in 2007. 2 large master bedroom closets plus more storage inside! New wood fence in backyard. Owner loves this house but has accepted new job and wants to be closer to work and church. Copy of recent home inspection available upon request.


View Property



Gena Gilbert

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Carve a Crystal Coast, North Carolina Pumpkin!

Happy Halloween from the Crystal Coast! Are you carving pumpkins today? Or simply want to decorate your Coastal Carolina home with seasonal decor? Below are some ideas for adding Halloween flair to homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle that you can keep around for the rest of fall— coastal pumpkins are the best!









When you're purchasing a home on the Crystal Coast, from the moment you begin your search for homes in North Carolina, your real estate agent will have the best insight into the area. Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today to discuss your options for buying your next Coastal Carolina home or selling your current home.

Gena Gilbert

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Latest Carteret County, NC Real Estate Market Stats





















These  Crystal Coast real estate market stats from RealtyTrac should help give you an idea of the current conditions for buying homes in North Carolina.  Are you looking for more information on buying a home in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle or another community in our area? Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today to discuss your options for buying your next Coastal Carolina home or selling your current home.

Want more great real estate statistics, reports, and resources? Visit our website for free information on Crystal Coast real estate.

Gena Gilbert


Thursday, October 10, 2013

This Weekend on the Crystal Coast, NC

This weekend is a great time to enjoy our Coastal Carolina area! Be sure to get out to these events happening in Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Morehead City, Swansboro, and more. Where are you headed this weekend?

Friday Free Flicks
Friday, October 11, 2013; 7 PM
Emerald Isle Community Center, Emerald Isle NC
Movies are family oriented. Free and open to the public, with popcorn and drinks available for $1.00. Movie goers are encouraged to bring chairs and/or blankets.

Paint and Partake
Friday, October 11, 2013; 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Blu Sail Gallery, Morehead City NC
This fun-filled art and social experience will allow students to paint their own interpretation of the workshop inspiration painting. Students will follow easy step-by-step instruction and at the end of the evening, you will have your own original 16 x 20” painting read to hang on your wall! 

North Carolina Shrimp Tour
Through October 13, 2013; Tours last 3 to 3.25 hours
Beaufort NC
Taking place during "A Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week," this tour is limited to eight people and lasts approximately 3 to 3.25 hours. At the end of the tour, each couple will receive one pound of North Carolina Shrimp (8 oz. for individuals) packed for travel. The shrimp comes wrapped in authentic fish net from the original Net House in Beaufort. Known locally as the Seine House, the nets were made in Beaufort. So, participants get to take home a small piece of Beaufort’s maritime history. Cost for the Shrimp Tour is $65/per person.

A Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week
Through October 13, 2013
This exciting bi-annual event takes place all over beautiful Carteret County at over 20 fine dining establishments over a two week period. Last year's Restaurant Week was claimed a huge success with hundreds visiting the fine dining establishments on the Crystal Coast. 

Swansboro Mullet Festival
Saturday, October 12 through Sunday, October 13, 2013; 9 AM
Downtown Swansboro NC
This FREE event will feature over 100 craft vendors along with food vendors who will line the streets of downtown Swansboro, and of course the famous Rotary fish fry will give everyone something to enjoy. A number of activities will also take place throughout the weekend including the popular “Mullet Toss” and face painting.

Don't live in our great Coastal Carolina area yet? No problem! Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today to start your search for homes for sale in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort or another close community. 


Gena Gilbert