NC Homebuyer Tips— Buying Crystal Coast Real Estate This Year

As we move further into the new year, more Crystal Coast homebuyers are entering the beginning stages of searching for homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret. The spring and summer seasons will bring another influx of buyers as the real estate buying season heats up, with more competition present. 

Housing prices are rising, mortgage rates are increasing, and home sellers have the upper hand at this time in local real estate. So, what can homebuyers do to ensure homeowner success? Gena Gilbert Real Estate offers insight into how we can help, what to do before you start looking, and how to factor in closing costs.

Happy homebuying!

About Homebuying 

Buying a home is an exciting time in one's life. Making the smart move of choosing a REALTOR® is your first step to ensuring that your new home and community meets your needs. Our services and experience range from financial aid to helping you find the home that best suits you and your family. For your convenience, we also provide listings by email. We pride ourselves on repeat business and hope you'll come to understand why.

As Your Agent, We Will:

• Assure that you see all the properties in the area that meet your criteria.
• Guide you through the entire home buying process, from finding homes to look at, to getting the best financing.
• Make sure you don't pay too much for your new home and help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Answer all of your questions about the local market area, including schools, neighborhoods, the local economy, and more.

Before You Start Looking For Your New Home:

• Check your credit rating. Straighten out any errors before its too late.
• Determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new purchase, including down payment and monthly payment.
• Find a loan program that meets your needs and get pre-qualified (preferably pre-approved).
• Choose a REALTOR® that you trust and who understands your needs.
• Determine what neighborhood best matches your needs.
• Identify important features you need your new home to have.

Closing Costs to Expect:

• Lender fees include charges for loan processing, underwriting, preparation and establishing an escrow account.
• Third-party fees include charges for insurance, title search, and other inspections such as termites.
• Government fees include deed recording and state & local mortgage taxes.
• Escrow and interest fees include homeowner's insurance, loan interest, real estate taxes, and occasionally private mortgage insurance.

Gena Gilbert

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How to Get Your Crystal Coast NC Home Ready to Sell

Selling a North Carolina home can be a stressful process. From beginning the financial paperwork to marketing the property to getting homebuyers to your front door, home sellers have much to mull over when listing their homes. If you're looking to sell your Crystal Coast homes this year, here are a few tips to help get the property in tip-top shape in ways that won't break the bank.

Get a Hold on the Small Stuff
You probably have a host of "little things" and projects you've been meaning to fix for a while now. It's time to get a hold on those and get to work! Leaking faucet, chipped paint, squeaky doors? Homebuyers will be turned off by these as they will imagine what else might be wrong with the home. Fix these small projects before the buyers tour your home and you'll avoid those walking away with the "what if" questions.

Deep Clean Outside Too
You'll clean the inside of your home before the potential buyers arrive, but don't forget the outside too. Power wash the exterior walls and walkways as dirt and grime can tend to accumulate over time. Take some time and rent a power washer, you'll be amazed at how different (and clean!) your home will look afterwards.

Toss Out the Old
When it comes to selling your homes in North Carolina, you want to put your best foot or furniture forward. It's time to toss out the old and broken pieces and make way for the working ones. "We often get used to certain things such as a cracked planter pot or broken outdoor light," said AOL Real Estate. "It takes just a few minutes to walk around and clear your home of broken things that you simply haven't gotten around to dealing with." You should also replace light fixtures and bulbs outside that may be out. This will make a world of difference in curb appeal, especially to those potential buyers who might be driving by the home after dark.

Use Neutral Colors
When updating paint colors in homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, use neutral colors. You may love bold colors, but potential homebuyers might not and that can be a deal breaker for some. Give your walls a fresh look with neutral paint and choose colors that don't stand out, but simply give a clean feel. If you don't want to take on a big project, you can touch up trim and doorways. 

Gena Gilbert

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