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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

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

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 | 

Add Curb Appeal to Your Crystal Coast Home

This spring season, Crystal Coast homebuyers will be on the move. With rising mortgage rates and housing prices, they have noticed that now is the time to buy and they will be flocking to the local real estate market to start the process. How do you make your home in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret stand out? With curb appeal! Curb appeal will get the North Carolina homebuyers to your door, especially if it stands out from all angles.

Landscaping
When it comes to Crystal Coast real estate, homebuyers will first notice the exterior. They may begin their home search for homes on the Crystal Coast online and the photos will peak their interest. Start with landscaping. Make sure your home is presenting its best possible image from all angles by landscaping the property all the way around. Be sure your home's landscaping is trimmed and well-manicured, so no matter which angle the homebuyer may view the property from, it always looks its best.

Your Sunroom
Do you have a sunroom or porch on your Crystal Coast home? It's important to play it up to homebuyers. MSN Real Estate suggests even adding a sunroom to your home can drastically enhance the back or side of your home. When viewing from the outside, this addition (whether you add this feature or already have one) can really play up the coastal factor of Crystal Coast real estate.

Windows to the Coast
Adding new windows or doors to your Crystal Coast home can be pricey. But increasing curb appeal does not have to include a complete renovation. Adding new windows or doors this spring can have the same affect in terms of the exterior appeal of your home. For instance, "a sunroom, a well-placed bay, bow or picture window— or a bank of windows— does more than just improve your indoor living space."

Attracting the right homebuyers to your homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret this spring is a key factor in the success of your real estate transaction. It all starts with how you portray your home, especially in online photos in your listing. By ramping up curb appeal and properly displaying your home's best features, not only will homebuyers be interested in getting to your home's front door, but they'll be more interested in calling the place home. Have other questions about local North Carolina real estate? Give us a call today!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

What to Do This Weekend on the Crystal Coast, NC

It's almost fall and with a new season comes new events and new opportunities to explore the Crystal Coast, NC. Below are some events happening this weekend for you and your whole family to enjoy the areas of Beaufort, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, and more!

Paint and Partake
Friday, September 20, 2013; 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Blu Sail Gallery, 903 Arendell Street, Morehead City
Every Friday evening come join us for a fun filled art and social experience where students will paint their own interpretation of the workshop inspiration painting. Students will follow easy step-by-step instruction. At the end of the evening, you will have your own original 16 x 20” painting read to hang on your wall! BluSail provides the rest. Call 252-723-9516 to make a reservation.

Emerald Isle's 8th Annual Day4Kids
Saturday, September 21, 2013; 10 AM to 2 PM
Emerald Isle Community Center, Emerald Isle
This event, takes place on the 3rd Saturday of September and has been a huge success for the past 7 years. Day4Kids brings adults and children of all ages together for a FREE fun-filled day of vendors, activities, games, face painting and more!

Some of the attractions and activities this year include: An amazing basketball trick performance by Dexter “Loveboat” Williams, a book exchange with the Friends of Western Carteret Library, hotdogs and drinks, popcorn, cotton candy, inflatable rides, kids BINGO, face painting and balloon sculpting by Isabel the Clown. 

Cycling for the Coast at Bogue Beach
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach
NC Coastal Federation’s 3rd annual ride offers 20K, 40K, and 80K options.  For registration and details: visit nccoast.org.

Build a Boat in a Day
Saturday, September 21, 2013; 9 AM
Watercraft Center across from NC Maritime Museum; Beaufort
Each adult and child team uses the stitch-and-glue technique to assemble a prepared kit for a small flat-bottomed plywood boat suitable for rowing or paddling. The boat is 7’10” long, 32” wide and weighs about 40 pounds. By the end of the class each boat will be completed to a watertight condition and clear-coated with epoxy. Teams are limited to a maximum of 4 persons, at least one of whom must be an adult. The minimum age limit for this class is 8 years.

Oktoberfest on Middle Lane
Saturday, September 21, 2013; 2 PM to 6 PM
Middle Lane, Downtown Beaufort
Join the crew on Middle Lane in downtown Beaufort for a craft beer and street party. More than 40 breweries will be represented, with German food and wines, and live music! Limited tickets available for $40 at Clawson's Restaurant and Back Street Pub in Beaufort. All proceeds benefit Carteret General Hospital's new Cancer Center.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | 

September Checklist for Your Crystal Coast Home

It's now September! That means fall is coming, a new season, a new opportunity to spruce up your Crystal Coast home and perfect its appearance either for visitors, for curb appeal purposes, or to impress potential homebuyers looking to buy real estate in North Carolina. Here's what you can do this month to make sure your home on the Crystal Coast, NC is in tip top shape:

Proof and Weatherstrip Windows and Doors
The air does begin to smell and act differently in September— it's time you make sure your windows and doors are ready to take on the new season. Weatherstripping can be plastic, foam, felt, or metal and its job is to seal small gaps to lock moisture and cold air outside where they belong. "Lock around your doors and windows," advises MSN Real Estate. Is the weatherstripping torn or missing? This little flaw can end up costing you in the long run. If your windows and doors are older, replacing weatherstripping can really cut down on energy costs this fall.

Check Your Windows Again
Check your windows for weatherstripping, but also check them for cracks. If they are dirty or cracked, repair and clean them now in preparation for fall.

Check Gutters and Outdoor Collectors
Do a visual check to make sure your gutters are clear of debris. They may soon be doing double duty in the fall with extra rainstorms and falling leaves.

Keep Out Unwanted Pests
A great time to proof your home for pests is just before the fall begins. September is the time animals begin looking for new places to call home— make sure it's not your Crystal Coast home. Make sure there are no gaps under your garage door, outdoor vents and screens are sealed and in working order, and exterior doors are free of holes or cracks for little mice to slip through.

Clean Your Dryer Vent
This is one thing you should do every six months, but now is as great a time as ever. "Scoot your clothes dryer away from the wall, unplug it, and vacuum behind it," says MSN Real Estate. "Unhook the tube that leads to the vent and clear as much lint from the tube as you can. Grab a shop vacuum, go outside, and tackle the outside dryer vent as well."

Fall is a great time to update your Coastal Carolina home or begin your search for a new one, your dream home in our North Carolina area. Contact us today to discuss your options and plans for moving to a beach property or buying a house on the Crystal Coast— we're here to help!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

North Carolina Real Estate— Number of Cash Buyers Growing

Due to a housing recovery categorized by low inventory and high buyer demand, home sellers nationwide are in the driver's seat and looking to find the best offer on their home. If you're now in the real estate market on the Crystal Coast, it's important to know that the offer desired by each seller varies. Some sellers are looking for the most money for their property which may come from a traditional lender, but others are looking for the easy, successful sale— the cash offer.

Cash offers are becoming more prevalent in real estate across the country as more homebuyers are forced to compete with multiple offers. But what's the big deal about purchasing a Crystal Coast home with your hard-earned dollars? Many benefits come with cutting lenders out of the equation.

Price Reductions

At times, homebuyers can catch the seller's attention with a cash offer and may often purchase the home for less than asking price. Those who intend to purchase with cash often qualify for a price discount because of the certainty of the sale.

Quicker Closing

Because there is no lender in the mix to slow down the sale, cash offers cut waiting time and the drama that can arise from financing troubles. 

No Credit Check

With lenders, they are required to peruse your credit history, savings, and other accounts. An all-cash buyer does not have the hassle of banks searching every transaction and finding flaws or problems.

Avoid Closing Costs

Simply closing on your North Carolina home can cost you more than expected, with fees just for filing the mortgage application. All of these fees can add up— but you can avoid the completely with an all-cash offer.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter