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!
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!
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!
You may be planning to sell your homes on the Crystal Coast and have begun spring cleaning to attract buyers, but what's your home's green factor? When searching for North Carolina real estate this year, many homebuyers are drawn to properties with eco-friendly appliances and upgrades. Many of these you can attempt this weekend and require little money at all!
Detox Your Bedroom
Did you know you can detox your bedroom simply by replacing the bedding and letting the sun shine inside? Washing your bedding is probably something you do regularly, but what about your pillows? Many toxins and dust mites can take up residence in your pillows and washing them will keep you away from their harmful effects. Next up, open the blinds and windows! The sun can eliminate extra moisture that may be building around windows and its rays shining on your bedding can go one step further in the detox process.
Energy Efficient Lighting
One easy way to "green" your homes on the Crystal Coast is to upgrade your light fixtures, even switch out the light bulbs. Making the change to compact fluorescent lights or CFL can save you up to $30 and use one-fifth of the energy that a typical bulb does; these bulbs also last longer in your home. Keep in mind, however, that these bulbs should not be used in areas with high traffic where they will be turned on and off often.
Add Houseplants
One of the best ways to update your Coastal Carolina homes in Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Emerald Isle, Beaufort, and Cape Carteret this spring is readily available right now! Houseplants and flowers not only make your spaces look great for potential homebuyers touring the property, but actually improve your health! In fact, "having almost any type of houseplant in your home will help remove volatile organic compounds [or] VOCs," says home improvement website Bright Nest.
If you're thinking of selling your home on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina this year, adding these eco-friendly updates can really push your home to the top of a buyer's list. Try these projects this weekend and feel free to contact us when you're ready to start the Crystal Coast real estate process!
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!
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.
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!
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.
