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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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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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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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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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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Time to Sell Your Crystal Coast, North Carolina Home!

The weather is heating up on the Crystal Coast and the summer months will soon be here! But that's not the only thing gaining speed this season, homebuyers are starting to come out in full swing ready to purchase new homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret. As a North Carolina home seller, it's a smart decision to consider selling now. Here are four major reasons to list your home now to take advantage of all of the homebuyer activity:

Sellers in Demand
With more homebuyers entering the local real estate market, homes for sale on the Crystal Coast are in demand. Many home sellers are gaining confidence, but they are outnumbered by the amount of buyers ready for a busy spring and summer buying frenzy. These homebuyers are looking to find their perfect Crystal Coast homes and yours could be it! List your home now and attract Coastal Carolina buyers while they're serious about purchasing North Carolina real estate.

New Construction Coming Back
In past months, home sellers did not have to compete much with new construction homes in the area. But that has recently changed! Builders are now jumping back in, housing starts are up and new construction is once again available to provide homebuyers with a shiny, new option for easy living on the Crystal Coast. Home sellers, you may want to think about selling before new construction becomes the favorite in real estate.

Interest Rates Rising
Interest rates and housing prices have been rising for some time and now is no exception. Many experts predict, by this time next year, rates will have reached 5 percent. In fact, all four major housing insiders (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, National Association of Realtors, and Mortgage Bankers Association) have numbers projected as high as 5.4 percent. No matter if you're moving up in terms of Coastal Carolina homes or downsizing, it's obvious that buying a new home next year will wind up costing more than if you acted upon moving right now.

Time for a Change
It's a new season and many homeowners (and buyers!) are ready for a change in scenery. One of the greatest reasons you should consider a new home comes down to the money you'll save in the long run if you act now. The journey all begins will selling your current Crystal Coast home and I would love to discuss how I can help! 

Gena Gilbert

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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

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Tax Breaks for Crystal Coast, North Carolina Homeowners

It's tax season again on the Crystal Coast! If you're a homeowner in areas like Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret, you won't want to miss out on the tax breaks associated with purchasing real estate. In fact, many homeowners overlook such tax write-offs like mortgage interest and property taxes. 

And while your taxes may have to get difficult to completely take advantage of homeowner benefits, with the tips below, you won't miss an important tax write-off again.

Mortgage Interest
According to MSN Real Estate, the biggest tax break you will see involves your house payment every month and for most homeowners, the bulk of that goes directly to mortgage interest. "All that interest is deductible, unless your loan is more than $1 million," they reported. 

More deductibles can come in the form of money you pulled out through refinancing or from when you decided to get a home equity loan. If you have equity debts of $100,000 or less, these are fully deductible for tax purposes.

What's more, if you own a second homes in North Carolina, or multiple properties, your mortgage interest on these homes is also fully deductible. But beware, warns MSN Real Estate, "If you don't vacation at least 14 days at your second property, or more than 10 percent of the number of days that you do rent it out (whichever is longer), the IRS could consider the place a residential property and ax your interest deduction."

Property Taxes
Another mortgage deduction comes from property taxes. For most monthly mortgage payments on Crystal Coast real estate, a major part is dedicated to taxes and goes into an escrow account for a yearly payment. If you've been a homeowner for some time, this amount will be found on the annual statement you get from your lender and will be a deduction for as long as you own Crystal Coast real estate.

If you're new to the homeowner circle and have just purchased a home on the Crystal Coast, you can find tax payment information on the documents you received at closing. 

When You Sell Your Home
Planning to sell your homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret this year or have just sold your home? When you move to a new home on the Crystal Coast, you'll be able to avoid a portion of taxes on the profit you make. In past years, the law was changed so that up to $250,000 in sales gain ($500,000 for married couples) is tax-free so long as you owned the home for two years and lived in it for two of five years before you sold.

But, if you sell the home before you meet these residency requirements, you will indeed owe taxes on the profit.

Gena Gilbert

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