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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

3 Tips for Finding Your Crystal Coast, North Carolina Vacation Home

The beaches of North Carolina are idyllic for spending the summer and with the season almost underway, many homebuyers will be flocking to the area, looking to purchase a home in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport and the surrounding communities. But before you set out on that house hunt for the perfect Crystal Coast condo or vacation property, here are three tips to keep in mind:

Research the Market
Doing your homework ahead of time, as a North Carolina homebuyer, can save you a headache in the long-run. You'll want to research the local real estate market, get the update on the conditions of the housing industry in your desired community, and start crunching the numbers on your own finances. Just as you did with your first home, getting all of the details on the affordability of your new Crystal Coast home are essential to coming out ahead.

Work with an Agent
From finding available homes on the Crystal Coast to negotiating an offer that you're comfortable with, Gena Gilbert real estate will be your greatest asset. As the premier real estate agents in Atlantic Beach, we can make all the difference in your purchase of a condo or vacation home in the area. Remember, your agent has the resources and expertise to successfully navigate your home purchase. It's less stress for you as you move forward with the real estate process.

The Not So Vacation
While the Crystal Coast of North Carolina is a great place to spend the summer, know that not every day will be a vacation for you as a homeowner. Your condo or vacation home in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City or Havelock will still need repairs and maintenance. Just like your primary residence, this house will need TLC as well. 

Are you thinking about purchasing a condo, vacation home or even primary home on the Crystal Coast? We'd be happy to help find you a property that matches your homebuyer wish list! Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today! 

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

Getting Your North Carolina Home Ready for Storm Season

April showers may be proverbially behind us, but storm season is just around the corner! And no matter if you're just settling into your Coastal Carolina homes for the summer or preparing to sell your current Crystal Coast home, these tips will come in handy for keeping your property safe.

Trim Your Trees
Start outside with the yard. One of the biggest causes of damage (and one of the most expensive) during storm season are tree branches, so take a look at those outside your Coastal Carolina homes. Trim any loose branches that you can see and inspect those near your home to ensure their stability. "Your homeowner's insurance policy will generally cover damage to your home caused by trees, but it usually pays no more than $500 to $1,000 for tree removal," reported one risk consultant. "Even though it can cost a few thousand dollars to clean up a fallen tree."

Clean Your Gutters
Move next to your gutters to remove any leaves and debris that may be inside. These items can clog the gutters and send water pouring down the side of your house or even under your roof. While you're doing this, check for any cracks that could allow water into your home and patch them if found. If you happen to spot any damaged or missing shingles on the roof, you can save yourself a headache later by replacing them before storm season is underway.

Secure a Backup System
With a lot of rain, Crystal Coast homeowners will be reminded how important it is to have a sump pump in place— especially if your basement is finished. Think of the damage that could arise from having your sump pump suddenly stop working in the middle of a storm or downpour. Your homes in Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, Morehead City could see water damage and potentially not be covered by insurance. Make sure you have a backup battery for your sump pump in case the power goes out or consider investing in a second sump pump for extra security.

The Crystal Coast of North Carolina is a great place to relax this summer and enjoy easy, beach living! Take these steps now to avoid any problems that could arise with your homes in North Carolina and ensure smooth sailing for the entire season. Ready to move to a new home this summer? Contact us today to discuss how we can help!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

Celebrate Spring and Enjoy Local Cuisine on the Crystal Coast, NC

It's April and spring is here on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina! As we head into the spring and summer months, it's a great time to get out and explore areas like Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret. Here are a few local, food-centered events to kick off the new season on the Crystal Coast, including the popular Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week.

Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week
Through Saturday, April 5, 2014
Now through April 5, enjoy the best of award-winning Crystal Coast chefs at this Semi Annual Toast to the Coast Restaurant Week. No tickets necessary, simply head to your favorite participating restaurant and select the Toast to the Coast menu. Each menu will include a three course prix fixe meal for $25 per person. For participating restaurants, visit toasttothecoast.org.

North Carolina Oyster Tour
Through Friday, April 4, 2014
This event is held along with Restaurant Week and guests can enjoy appetizers at three area restaurants where the spotlight in on local oysters! You can see the different ways oysters are prepared and listen to stories about Beaufort's history and oyster traditions. When the tour is up, each couple or participant will go home with one dozen oysters, wrapped in a fish net from the original Net House in Beaufort. At $69 per person, this event includes a guide, samplings of food, select drinks, and your local North Carolina oysters to go.

First Annual "Shrimp Off" at Core Sound Water Fowl Museum
Saturday, April 5, 2014; 6 PM to 8 PM
Another opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine of the Crystal Coast— join the fun at Core Sound Waterfowl Museum in Harkers Island for the 1st Annual Shrimp Off! Guests will learn more about local commercial fisherman and celebrate the North Carolina love for shrimp. You can find the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum at 1785 Island Road in Harkers Island, NC. 

Beaufort Olive Oil Company Luncheon
Saturday, April 12, 2014; Noon
Circa 81 is hosting a Beaufort Olive Oil Company luncheon, featuring three courses that will include various oils, vinegars, salts, and other samplings offered at the Beaufort Olive Oil Company. The cost of this event is $25 per person and advance reservations are required.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

What to Do on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina This Spring

Are you ready for spring on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina? Take this month and next to visit area events like the Coastal Home and Garden Show to familiarize yourself with local vendors to spruce up your homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret. 

There are also more opportunities to experience local seafood and view area artists in the events mentioned below. Take a look and enjoy the spring season on the Crystal Coast!

Art from the Heart
February 14 through March 1, 2014
Gallery Hours: Mon-Wed 10 AM to 6 PM; Thurs-Sat 10 AM to 5 PM; Sun 12 PM to 5 PM
Morehead Plaza
Morehead City NC

The Arts Council of Carteret County is presenting a three-week exhibition and sale of original artwork by area artists beginning February 14. Open seven days a week through March 1, guests can come view innovative and traditional works of art including an annual exhibit by area school children. The exhibition will also include: original oils and acrylics, water media, photography and computer-generated art, glass, stone, fiber arts, 3D artwork, pastels and drawings, and mixed media.

Seafood Series in Beaufort
February 24, 2014; 2 PM
To be held at the following locations:
February 24- Island Grille, Atlantic Beach
March 3- Amos Mosquito's Restaurant & Bar, Atlantic Beach
March 17- Island Grille, Atlantic Beach

The Aquarium is teaming up with top restaurants and area chefs to present guests with recipes and tips on preparing fresh, local seafood from North Carolina. This recurring event will also feature Aquarium staff members sharing details on the featured seafood, like life cycles and habitats. The Succulent Seafood Series is scheduled for various Mondays at 2 PM. 

26th Annual Coastal Home and Garden Show
March 1 through March 2, 2014; Sat 10 AM to 5 PM; Sun 11 AM to 3 PM
Crystal Coast Civic Center
Morehead City NC

A great chance to get ideas for sprucing up your Crystal Coast homes this spring! The 26th Annual Coastal Home and Garden Show will include services, wares and expertise of local businesses from building to landscaping to decorating. The show will feature more than 65 exhibitors where visitors can grab ideas, advice, products and more for home projects this spring.

Seafood Shell-ebration
March 1, 2014; 11 AM to 5 PM
Downtown Swansboro
Swansboro NC

This event kicks off Friday, February 28 with a wine tasting and seafood pairing at the White Oak River Bistro and continues Saturday, March 1 from 11 AM to 5 PM. Presented by the NC Coastal Federation and Swansboro Parks and Recreation in downtown Swansboro, guests can enjoy North Carolina oysters and seafood from area restaurants. Progressive tastings will be offered at establishments like Icehouse Waterfrnot Restaurant, Saltwater Grill, and more. Local shops will also be offering gifts and discounts in conjunction with the Shell-ebration.

Looking to start your home search this spring or prepare your home to sell? Contact Gena Gilbert Real Estate today!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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.

View Property

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. 

View Property

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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn |