Home Staging Tips for Crystal Coast Homeowners

Home sellers are growing more confident in the real estate market, given home price appreciation and buyer demand. And while timing and pricing are two of the single most important factors when selling your Crystal Coast home, staging can make a world of difference.

These easy, low-cost projects can prime your home in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro or Pine Knoll Shores for real estate success and attract the right homebuyers.

Curb appeal

Try to see your home through a buyer's eyes. Walk around your property noting what needs to be repaired, landscaped or cleaned up. You can easily boost the curb appeal of your North Carolina home by planting new flowers, giving your front door a new coat of paint, and even placing a new welcome mat outside.

Furniture Edit

Take a quick tour of your home's interior spaces, walking outside of normal traffic patterns. Do you notice obstacles in the flow of the room? It may be time to edit your furniture down to the basics to allow the room to appear larger. Also, be sure the focal points of the room like a fireplace or large window are not being blocked.

Declutter

Nothing can turn away a Crystal Coast homebuyer like a cluttered home. In each space, take the time to throw away any unnecessary items like old magazines or papers and organize those that need to be kept. Find a home for all small appliances and toiletries, keeping knick knacks to a minimum.

If you're ready to sell your home this year, Gena Gilbert Real Estate can help! Consider our team your go-to for any questions you might having about the home selling process. We look forward to hearing from you!

Gena Gilbert

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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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Mortgage Rates Down, Great Time to Buy a Crystal Coast Condo!

Homebuyers are constantly looking for the best time to make a move, curious about how to time the local real estate market just right. Well, the look is over. The time is now! Current market conditions, including the current mortgage rates now at historic lows, have paved the way for Coastal Carolina homebuyers to purchase their dream home!

Mortgage rates have just taken a tumble and in fact, haven't been this low since June 2013. This week marked the fourth straight week for declines, meaning now is more affordable than it has been in over a year to buy a home or condo.

But mortgage rates aren't the only reason why Crystal Coast homebuyers should take advantage of current real estate market conditions. Housing prices are also rising and will continue to do so over the next five years.

If you're a Crystal Coast home seller, this could mean great news for the success of selling your home at a great price. On the other side of the real estate fence, North Carolina homebuyers looking to find the best deal or purchase a home at a lower price, should act now!

According to the Home Price Expectation Survey, including over 100 economists and market analysts, home values will appreciate anywhere from 11.2 percent and 27.8 percent over the next five years.

Gena Gilbert Real Estate can help you take advantage of this exciting window of opportunity in the Crystal Coast real estate market! With mortgage rates this low, waiting no longer makes sense— contact us today to find the perfect waterfront home or condo in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro and Pine Knoll Shores.

Gena Gilbert

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A Marriage Made to Last An Eternity!!

Beautiful wedding between  two beautiful people, Eric and Kim on Bogue Sound 10-4-14!

All the very best wishes for many, many years to come!!

Gena & Harold

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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JUST LISTED!

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MLS#14-4431

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WANT YOUR HOUSE OR LAND SOLD?  CONTACT THE EXPERTS!  GENA & HAROLD
Over 20 years Continuous Service on The Crystal Coast of NC www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com

We live, work and play in one of the most beautiful places on earth!  Pristine waters and beaches, estuaries, wild mustangs run free on our islands and allow the public to experience their beauty!

Come and enjoy our beautiful islands and little 'piece of heaven' on earth!

SEARCHING RESTAURANTS IN MOREHEAD CITY?

GREAT LOCAL SEAFOOD, GREAT STEAKS, GREAT VIEWS!!

Understanding Your Crystal Coast, North Carolina Homeowners Insurance

You've just purchased a waterfront home or condo on North Carolina's beautiful Crystal Coast— now is the time to get to know your homeowners insurance policy. The last thing any new homeowner wants is a surprise when the time comes to file a claim. 

A recent survey discovered that over half of all homeowners couldn't answer simple questions about their own policy, with many who hadn't even taken a look at the text. But you can be a savvy Coastal Carolina homeowner this year with just an hour or two of reading. 

Below are a few key features to spot and study in your policy:

Know what is covered
As a homeowner in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Beaufort, Newport, Havelock, Cape Carteret, Swansboro and Pine Knoll Shores, it's important that you know the exact breakdown of your policy. Don't assume everything is covered— look for the areas marked for structural (your home itself), liability (protection from others) and contents (your belongings).

Look for updates
Have you recently inherited any valuables? Have you just added onto your Crystal Coast home or made changes to your condo? You need to update your policy to reflect these! Work with your provider to determine what is and is not covered in this area.

Determine if you're covered for all risks
A homeowners insurance policy is often determined as "all risk" or "named peril" which is the difference between a variety of damages and a limited, specific list. If you find you are covered for the latter, consider updating accordingly.

As your local team of real estate experts, Gena Gilbert Real Estate has years of experience to assist with both your home purchase and home sale. Contact us today with any questions you might have!

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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How Your Coastal Carolina Real Estate Agent Can Help Sell Your Home

To sell your Crystal Coast, NC home or condo at the right price and under the right terms this summer, it's important to team up with the right real estate agent. The team at Gena Gilbert Real Estate will work for you to market your home to motivated buyers as well as find the right price that will keep the property on top of must-see lists.

But that's not all! The following are 3 top moves that could help you achieve the best results when selling your Coastal Carolina home:

List During the Week
When you list your home during the week, for instance on a Wednesday, it gives homebuyers the weekend to tour the property and make an offer if they're interested. Most homes are sold on the weekend and listing during the week can create a buzz around your home.

Your local North Carolina real estate agent will know the best time to market and list your property according to your specific community.

Consider Buyer Finances
For home sellers in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport  choosing an offer can be overwhelming. That's one crucial area where your real estate team can help! To end up with a solid deal, you might like to speak with the buyer's lender to ensure there will be no concerns during the closing. Remember, the highest bid isn't always the best! You're looking for the one that comes with stable finances to make the sale happen.

Consider the Inspection
After your North Carolina home or waterfront condo sells, the home inspection will follow. Be up front with the buyer's agent about what you'd ultimately like out of the home inspection— one suggestion from home maintenance site BrightNest is to ask, "In choosing your offer, would the buyer agree to go easy on repair requests after the inspection, so long as no major issues pop up?" If they agree, you save money in the long run!

Working with Gena Gilbert Real Estate can save you a huge home seller headache this year, so don't hesitate to contact us! We will work for you on selling your property as well as finding you your next dream home!

Gena Gilbert

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EmeraldFest, SwanFest Bring Coastal Carolina Fun Through Summer

Summer is full of great weather, great food, great friends and great music— most of which you can find at the local EmeraldFest and SwanFest events in Emerald Isle and Swansboro, respectively, through the end of the season.

EmeraldFest

EmeraldFest is Emerald Isle's outdoor concert series that kicked off in mid-June and will continue through the end of August. Every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 PM, EmeraldFest offers Crystal Coast visitors and residents alike the chance to enjoy great music and coastal scenery. Held at the Western Ocean Regional Access Facility (off Islander Drive, 1 block east of Coast Guard Road intersection), EmeraldFest will feature the following performances yet this summer:

July 24: Redneck Juliets (Country)

July 31: Dependable Taxi (Pop/Alternative)

August 7: Wild Honey (Blues/Country/Rock)

August 14: Scearce & Ketner (Seagrass)

August 21: Big Drink (Acoustic/Rock)

SwanFest

This ongoing event is held on Sundays from 6:30 to 8 PM in downtown Swansboro and put on by the Seaside Arts Council. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to the Pavilion at Olde Town Square in Swansboro, NC to see the following performances, ranging from local artists to Nashville recording stars:

July 27: Justin Castellano (Eclectic)

August 3: Andy & Kathryn Karg (Lover's Harmony)

August 10: Aqoostix (Eclectic & Eccentric)

August 17: Big Drink (Acoustic/Rock)

August 24: Beaucoup Blue (Blues)

August 31: Acoustic Hwy (Country/Rock)

September 7: Unknown Tongues (Zydeco)

September 14: Scearce & Ketner (Seagrass)

Looking for more recommendations on how to enjoy the summer on North Carolina's Crystal Coast? Contact us today! We're happy to assist you with everything from buying and selling homes in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport to sharing local activities.

Gena Gilbert

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