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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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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Crystal Coast, North Carolina Home Updates for Summer

This summer, you'll likely be spending a lot of time enjoying the great outdoors on the Crystal Coast   From returning home after a day trip to the beach to relaxing on your deck or patio, your home in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport should be updated to reflect the season. You may already have everything on hand to give your outdoor spaces a spruce— so take some time this weekend to make your Coastal Carolina home your personal oasis.

The Patio
The summer is a time for bright colors and coastal prints, like waves and nautical stripes. Incorporate these into your Crystal Coast condo or vacation property or on your patio with throw pillows, linens and cushions made from outdoor fabrics. With a home on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, you can bring the beach back with you— try filling glass jars with sand or seashells to display on outdoor dining tables or on a covered porch.

Outdoor Dining
If you're thinking of selling this summer, be aware that many homebuyers are now looking for outdoor living space, especially those in which they can entertain. You likely already have outdoor furniture, but consider moving it around to give the space a fresh feel. "Moving furniture around makes a small (and free!) change with a big payoff," says Coastal Living. Pull from other rooms, give indoor chairs a coat of paint and move them outdoors. When you rearrange, you'll see the space in a new light.

The Deck
Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport are all poised for relaxing coastal living, especially during the summer months. Bring the relaxed vibe to your deck by painting the railings a calming shade of blue, green or fresh white. Arrange your beach finds in glass jars to display on ledges, bring in mirrors and beach-inspired paintings to make the space feel cozy. You can even update your current furniture by getting creative— "a hole cut into the seat of an old rattan or wooden chair makes the perfect stage for a flowerpot," Coastal Living adds.

Gena Gilbert Real Estate is here to help make your house a home, from beginning your journey as a homebuyer to selling your current property and finding a new oasis. Contact us today!

Gena Gilbert

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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

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More Homebuyers Looking for North Carolina Condos

While the sales of existing homes have been rising recently, there is another type of property that is peaking Coastal Carolina homebuyer interest— condos.

According to the National Association of Realtors, single family home sales have risen slightly month-to-month this year, but condo sales have seen a spike of over 7 percent. Comparing these two increases with last year's numbers, you will find single family home sales were actually down 7 percent, while condo sales fell flat. It's a significant jump in popularity for both types of North Carolina homes, but condos are coming out ahead.

"We are beginning to see people liking more closer-in developments," said an economist for the National Association of Relators. "The baby boomers who are looking to trade down, they are looking for condominiums. Many of the younger people, if they can qualify to buy, they are looking into the condominium style of living, compared to single family with backyards."

These increases in single family and condo sales come at a time where more Crystal Coast homebuyers are found to be looking at easier living, more often in what are characterized as the suburbs or "exurbs." More Americans are streamlining their finances and their home choices are reflecting that. They're moving to areas like Emerald Isle, Morehead City, Havelock, Beaufort, Atlantic Beach for not just a more relaxed lifestyle, but for condos or homes that allow them to build long-term wealth with Crystal Coast real estate, but also save while doing so.

The median price for a condominium, nationwide, has been lower than single family home prices, according to the NAR. However, last month did see a jump— perhaps due to a stronger demand for the properties.

This summer, the local real estate market will likely see more home sales, many of them condos, as North Carolina homebuyers get the itch for new scenery and change in surroundings, but into a property that makes sense for them and their finances. We will likely see many Crystal Coast homebuyers choosing condos or townhouses.

"It's in the conforming mortgage limits, and people can get into those homes easier," said one East Coast builder.

Contact us today for a list of homes for sale along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Whether you're looking for a single family home, condo or townhouse, we're happy to help find a property that works for you!

Gena Gilbert

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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

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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

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