LABOR DAY WEEKEND "AT THE BEACH" ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC!

IT IS HERE!  LAST BIG HOLIDAY WEEKEND OF THE YEAR FOR THE BEACH GOERS!

The Seagulls are circling above!  They know those tidbits of food are coming their way!

But be careful!  They are know to drop a surprise or two on you also!

Lifeguards are getting in positions at Atlantic Beach ready to watch over and protect you!

PAY A VISIT TO THE NC AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES!

OPEN MONDAY 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

LOGGERHEAD TURTLE HATCH-LINGS HEADING STRAIGHT FOR THE WATER

Five miles west of Atlantic Beach on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. From NC 58, turn onto Pine Knoll Boulevard at the stoplight, Milepost 7; turn left onto Roosevelt Blvd. Signs along US 70 and NC 58 point the way.

GPS: 34°41’58″N, 76°49’46″W

Street address: 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512

Phone: 252-247-4003; 800-832-3474

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Murder Mystery Dinner @ N.C. Maritime Museum

Aug 30 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Ouch! @ Fort Macon State Park Visitor Center

Aug 30 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Cannon Firing at Fort Macon @ Fort Macon State Park

Aug 31 @ 10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Summer Concert Series – Carolina Beach Club (Beach, Top 40) @ Jaycee Park

Aug 31 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Ronnie McDowell in Concert @ The Morehead Center

Sep 1 @ 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm

MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN AND PLEASE LEAVE OUR BEAUTIFUL CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES CLEAN!

Labor Day on the Crystal Coast, NC

Getting ready to enjoy the long holiday weekend? There are many great events happening in the Crystal Coast, NC area for you to attend and experience all that our great community has to offer! Here are just a few that are happening this weekend and Monday for the Labor Day holiday:

Alive at Five Concert Series
Friday, August 30, 2013, 5 PM to 8 PM
Katherine Davis Park, Downtown Morehead City
This FREE event will give you the chance to enjoy some great music in downtown Morehead City, NC. From 5 PM to 8 PM, this is a great event to kick off the holiday weekend.

Murder Mystery Dinner
Friday, August 30, 2013, $30 for reservations
NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort
Have you ever wanted to attend a murder mystery party? Now's your chance! Hosted by the NC Maritime Museum, come help solve the museum's latest unfortunate "accident." Museum staff and volunteers prepare an entertaining evening involving a murder plot, clues and of course a twist, all while you enjoy a catered meal! Call 252-728-7317 for more information.

Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition Show
Saturday, August 31 10 AM to 5 PM, through Sunday, September 1, 2013, 12 PM to 5 PM
Beaufort Historic Grounds, Beaufort
Come visit this FREE event and take a look at the arts and crafts of local Crystal Coast artists.

Saturday Night Live
Saturday, August 31, 2013, 6 PM to 8 PM
Atlantic Beach Boardwalk Gazebo
FREE to the public and a chance to enjoy local music at this great boardwalk location.

SwanFest
Sunday, September 1, 2013, 6:30 PM to 8 PM
The Pavilion at Olde Town Square, Downtown Swansboro
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy great music by the sea in this FREE summer concert series.

EmeraldFest
Monday, September 2, 2013, 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Western Ocean Regional Access, Emerald Isle
No admission fee for this local Emerald Isle, NC event on Labor Day, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. Enjoy live music and the tranquil ocean breeze. Bring chairs, blankets, even dinner! Access also features volleyball courts, picnic tables and restrooms.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | T

Take Care of Your Crystal Coast Home Value

With the end of summer approaching, yet plenty of summer sun still available for DIY projects, it's important to keep in mind which are a good investment in your Crystal Coast property's future and others that can tank your home's value. 

In North Carolina real estate, it's quite common to see home remodels and other updates that don't really improve a home's value— but you can avoid those mistakes! Check out these home improvement tips that will help you see a return in the sweat equity you've put into your home and yield a great result when the time comes to sell your home on the North Carolina's Crystal Coast.

Going Overboard in Your Area
A common mistake in local real estate is improving a home too much for the neighborhood it's in. If you're in a great area, improving a home cannot really be overdone. However, if you're expecting your listing price to be lower due to the area, installing a $20,000 pool may only provide half of the money back in return— at best. 

Your Crystal Coast real estate agent will be able to tell you which home improvements are a great idea for your home and neighborhood.

Inconsistency
Inconsistency is also fairly common. Scenarios often exist where the homeowners put a lot of work (and money) into the kitchen and the rest of the home goes untouched. The best way to avoid this mistake is to find the baseline for homes in your area and center your improvements around that. Bring the home up to the baseline, but don't go overboard.

Too Much You in Your Home
It's fine to add personal touches to your home, but remember you likely won't live there forever. Keep in mind the future North Carolina homebuyer when making updates or you may be forced to take the loss of money later.

To DIY or not to DIY
Painting furniture? Great. Mending the fence? Perfect. But unless you're particularly gifted in the home DIY department, you might want to leave the remodel to the pros. When you go to sell your home, the homebuyer will notice the offset tiles and less than perfect cabinetry. Simple fix? Hire a pro.

Ready to make the move to sell your home in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Emerald Isle or elsewhere? Contact us today to discuss pricing the property and how you can attract more North Carolina homebuyers.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?

FIND OUT ON SEPTEMBER 26th AT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, SUNSHINE LADY UNIT MOREHEAD CITY, NC 28557

89 CENTS OUT OF EVERY DOLLAR GOES DIRECTLY TO 

THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF COASTAL CAROLINA TO SERVE OUR KIDS!

THAT IS A GREAT RETURN ON INVESTMENT!!!

JOIN THE FUN AT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

SEPTEMBER 26TH

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.BGCCC.net  

CLICK ON 'EVENTS' FOR DETAILS

LOTS OF FUN!

LOTS OF FOOD!

GREAT COMPANY!

Landing your dream home on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Maybe you've started your home search for Crystal Coast real estate, maybe you've already found your perfect home and are ready to start the real estate process, maybe you're thinking about selling your current home and buying a new house in North Carolina— whatever the scenario may be, have you ever asked yourself exactly how far you would go to land that home?

This cool, new infographic outlines what other homebuyers said they would do to ensure they snagged their dream home. 

For instance, how much would you pay over asking price? Are you willing to pay the seller's closing costs? Would you go so far as to write a personal letter to the seller's to tell them why you would be a great fit to purchase the home? Or maybe you would remove all contingencies from the offer? Would you even think about borrowing money from family or friends to up your down payment to 20%?

It's interesting to think about what you would do for your dream piece of Crystal Coast real estate. If you're a homebuyer looking to purchase a home in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Cape Carteret, or Harker's Island, NC— this would be a great jumping off point to determine what you will do if you encounter such a scenario. Know your numbers, know what you can afford, and know when you would be willing to walk away. I can also help in figuring out these answers!

So, ready to start your home search? Found your dream home already? Let me help you with the details and making sure you achieve your homeownership goals with purchasing the perfect North Carolina home. Contact us today to get started!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

Looking for 'Deals' on the Crystal Coast?

There are still 'deals' on many properties including water front lots, single family residential homes and condos on the Crystal Coast of NC but they are going fast!  Here are just a few that are left that some lucky buyer is going to be VERY HAPPY they did not let their 'hind sight' get the best of them.
Crystal Coast Properties

2001 Anne Neal Rd, Morehead City, NC 28557

SHORT SALE - 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths $179,900

CONTACT GENA OR HAROLD TODAY - 877-240-0259

www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com

 

101 Molly Lane, Newport, NC 28570

Designed by & Occupied by an Architect

Current Owner is an Engineer

SOUND CONSTRUCTION!  Average Power Bill $133/Mo.

Over 2300 Heated Square Feet on a Lot 0.66 acre in a Water Front Community!

Asking Only $238,000

CONTACT GENA OR HAROLD TODAY - 877-240-0259

www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com



405 Mansfield Parkway, Unit A, Morehead City, NC 28557

Sellers are Motivated to Sell!  Unbelievable asking price of $368,000 for this 3 story unit with its own private elevator!!

Gorgeous 180 degree panoramic views from the Kitchen and Great Room

Offered tastefully furnished with a few exceptions.

CONTACT GENA OR HAROLD TODAY - 877-240-0259

www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com









What to Do This Weekend on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Looking to fill your weekend with fun activities while there's still summer sun to enjoy? This weekend on North Carolina's Crystal Coast is going to be a great one! From outdoor movies in Emerald Isle to a Pirate Invasion in Beaufort— get out and experience all that the Coastal Carolina area has to offer before fall rolls around!

Friday Free Flicks
Friday, August 9, 2013, 7 PM
Emerald Isle Community Center
7500 Emerald Drive

This event is FREE, open to the public, and family-oriented. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show with popcorn and drinks available for purchase at $1.00. To inquire about the movie showing, please call 252.354.6350.

Beaufort Pirate Invasion
Saturday, August 10, 2013, 1:30 PM
Beaufort Historic Site, Downtown Beaufort

At the Beaufort Historic Site in the center of downtown, an authentic Pirate Encampment will be active Friday evening and all day Saturday with real Brethren of the Sea and wenches of a fascinating variety. Dinner and grog will be served Friday and Saturday night by ticket. Saturday beginning at 1:30 PM, the Beaufort Pirate Invasion will begin! Starting with the Pirates Procession along the downtown waterfront to Pollock Street where, in 1747, the town militia met the long boat of Spanish pirate invaders set on pillaging the town. At 1:30 PM, cannons will be firing on the town, muskets on land will be countering, and the melee will begin! Following the Invasion, there will be a public trial and other occurrences appropriate to a Pirate Invasion, exactly as it was in 1747. The Beaufort Pirate Invasion is an event brought to you by the Beaufort Business Association.

Ahoy, Pirates!
Saturday, August 10, 2013, 11 AM to 3 PM
NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort

Another pirate event happening in Beaufort on Saturday! This series held by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources will highlight history, heritage, arts, and fun.

Summer Concert Series
Saturday, August 10, 2013, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Jaycee Park, Morehead City 
807 Shepard Street

FREE and open to the public, this even tis part of the summer long concert series beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. This week the theme is "Seaside Band."

Stay tuned to the blog for more happenings in our great Crystal Coast, NC area!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

JUST A FEW MORE THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT CARTERET COUNTY AND THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

OUR BEACHES!  26 BEAUTIFUL, PRISTINE MILES OF BEACHES ON BOGUE BANKS!

ATLANTIC BEACH TO

 

EVERY KID LOVES TO RUN THROUGH THE WAVES ALL YEAR LONG!

AND WHAT ABOUT A GREAT DAY 'BRINGING HOME FRESH FISH'?

DO YOU LOVE AQUARIUMS?

VISIT THE NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES!

www.PineKnollShoresAquarium.com

mailto:seamail@ncaquariums.com

 

BE SURE TO SEE THE SAND TIGER SHARK UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL!





HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

                                   "PICTURES SAY A THOUSAND WORDS!!!"
Living on the Crystal Coast of NC is wonderful.  Beautiful, pristine beaches, rivers and estuaries, marine life and nature abound all close by to enjoy free of cost in many places.  Below are only a few highlights of living and working in this environment and why it is such a special place on this earth!

FROM THE CAPT. STACY HEAD BOAT OR ON YOUR OWN BOAT OUT AT SEA

SEAGULLS & PELICANS FEAST ON THE SPOILS OF A DAY'S FISHING

• 

  SPENDING A RELAXING DAY  SAILING ALONG

SUN BATHE ON ONE OF OUR PRISTINE BEACHES

"GO FLY A KITE"

VIEW OUR MARITIME FOREST WHICH PROTECTS OUR BEACHES

BE CAREFUL WHEN FEEDING A SEAGULL OF WHERE YOU ARE STANDING!

GORGEOUS SUNSETS & SUNRISES ALL YEAR LONG!

CALM, PEACEFUL SUNRISE OVER THE BACK WATERS & THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

ENJOY A TRIP TO FT. MACON AT NO CHARGE!!

SURF FISHING

A TRIP TO CAPE LOOKOUT IS A MUST DO

BUILD A SAND CASTLE!

RELAX ON SHACKLEFORD ISLAND!  FERRIES RUN DAILY!

VIEW MARINE LIFE UP CLOSE AT NC STATE AQUARIUM
AT PINE KNOLL SHORES!

Existing Homeowners Move in on Crystal Coast, North Carolina Real Estate

Recently in the housing market, investors— both foreign and domestic— have dominated snatching properties from local homebuyers and current homeowners looking to move. But now that seems to be slowing down. Existing homeowners are now taking over Crystal Coast real estate and taking a bigger share.

"A sustainable housing market typically includes a more balanced share of first-times, move-up buyers, and inventors, and that's how the housing recovery is beginning to shake out," reported Realty Times.

Now in first place in the local market are current homeowners— whether they be move-up, move-down, or simply move-over North Carolina homebuyers—who accounted for nearly 45 percent of the real estate market in June's home sales. This number was up from 43.8 the month before, according to the Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse.

What's causing more homeowners to once again buy a home on the Crystal Coast? The recent rise in housing prices and return of equity is planting the seed for homeowners to make a move, especially as rising mortgage rates push further into housing affordability.

But it's not all homeowners. First-time homebuyers are being held back and, in many cases, facing serious obstacles in purchasing real estate in North Carolina. Lending standards have become more strict on account of the rising rates and housing prices, thus shutting out many first-time buyers.

Homeowners have been able to come out ahead of investors due to rising prices and fewer foreclosures and distressed homes— investors have been purchasing large quantities of these distressed properties up until recently. According to HousingPulse, the investor share in home purchases dropped to 19.7 percent in June, from 23.1 in February. And now that they're slowly moving away from purchasing properties, current homeowners are able to step in.

Are you looking to purchase a new home along the Crystal Coast, NC? We will be happy to provide all the information you need to buy or sell real estate in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport and surrounding areas.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter