What to Do This Weekend on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Looking to fill your weekend with fun activities while there's still summer sun to enjoy? This weekend on North Carolina's Crystal Coast is going to be a great one! From outdoor movies in Emerald Isle to a Pirate Invasion in Beaufort— get out and experience all that the Coastal Carolina area has to offer before fall rolls around!

Friday Free Flicks
Friday, August 9, 2013, 7 PM
Emerald Isle Community Center
7500 Emerald Drive

This event is FREE, open to the public, and family-oriented. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show with popcorn and drinks available for purchase at $1.00. To inquire about the movie showing, please call 252.354.6350.

Beaufort Pirate Invasion
Saturday, August 10, 2013, 1:30 PM
Beaufort Historic Site, Downtown Beaufort

At the Beaufort Historic Site in the center of downtown, an authentic Pirate Encampment will be active Friday evening and all day Saturday with real Brethren of the Sea and wenches of a fascinating variety. Dinner and grog will be served Friday and Saturday night by ticket. Saturday beginning at 1:30 PM, the Beaufort Pirate Invasion will begin! Starting with the Pirates Procession along the downtown waterfront to Pollock Street where, in 1747, the town militia met the long boat of Spanish pirate invaders set on pillaging the town. At 1:30 PM, cannons will be firing on the town, muskets on land will be countering, and the melee will begin! Following the Invasion, there will be a public trial and other occurrences appropriate to a Pirate Invasion, exactly as it was in 1747. The Beaufort Pirate Invasion is an event brought to you by the Beaufort Business Association.

Ahoy, Pirates!
Saturday, August 10, 2013, 11 AM to 3 PM
NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort

Another pirate event happening in Beaufort on Saturday! This series held by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources will highlight history, heritage, arts, and fun.

Summer Concert Series
Saturday, August 10, 2013, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Jaycee Park, Morehead City 
807 Shepard Street

FREE and open to the public, this even tis part of the summer long concert series beginning Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. This week the theme is "Seaside Band."

Stay tuned to the blog for more happenings in our great Crystal Coast, NC area!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

JUST A FEW MORE THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT CARTERET COUNTY AND THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

OUR BEACHES!  26 BEAUTIFUL, PRISTINE MILES OF BEACHES ON BOGUE BANKS!

ATLANTIC BEACH TO

 

EVERY KID LOVES TO RUN THROUGH THE WAVES ALL YEAR LONG!

AND WHAT ABOUT A GREAT DAY 'BRINGING HOME FRESH FISH'?

DO YOU LOVE AQUARIUMS?

VISIT THE NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES!

www.PineKnollShoresAquarium.com

mailto:seamail@ncaquariums.com

 

BE SURE TO SEE THE SAND TIGER SHARK UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL!





HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

                                   "PICTURES SAY A THOUSAND WORDS!!!"
Living on the Crystal Coast of NC is wonderful.  Beautiful, pristine beaches, rivers and estuaries, marine life and nature abound all close by to enjoy free of cost in many places.  Below are only a few highlights of living and working in this environment and why it is such a special place on this earth!

FROM THE CAPT. STACY HEAD BOAT OR ON YOUR OWN BOAT OUT AT SEA

SEAGULLS & PELICANS FEAST ON THE SPOILS OF A DAY'S FISHING

• 

  SPENDING A RELAXING DAY  SAILING ALONG

SUN BATHE ON ONE OF OUR PRISTINE BEACHES

"GO FLY A KITE"

VIEW OUR MARITIME FOREST WHICH PROTECTS OUR BEACHES

BE CAREFUL WHEN FEEDING A SEAGULL OF WHERE YOU ARE STANDING!

GORGEOUS SUNSETS & SUNRISES ALL YEAR LONG!

CALM, PEACEFUL SUNRISE OVER THE BACK WATERS & THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

ENJOY A TRIP TO FT. MACON AT NO CHARGE!!

SURF FISHING

A TRIP TO CAPE LOOKOUT IS A MUST DO

BUILD A SAND CASTLE!

RELAX ON SHACKLEFORD ISLAND!  FERRIES RUN DAILY!

VIEW MARINE LIFE UP CLOSE AT NC STATE AQUARIUM
AT PINE KNOLL SHORES!

Existing Homeowners Move in on Crystal Coast, North Carolina Real Estate

Recently in the housing market, investors— both foreign and domestic— have dominated snatching properties from local homebuyers and current homeowners looking to move. But now that seems to be slowing down. Existing homeowners are now taking over Crystal Coast real estate and taking a bigger share.

"A sustainable housing market typically includes a more balanced share of first-times, move-up buyers, and inventors, and that's how the housing recovery is beginning to shake out," reported Realty Times.

Now in first place in the local market are current homeowners— whether they be move-up, move-down, or simply move-over North Carolina homebuyers—who accounted for nearly 45 percent of the real estate market in June's home sales. This number was up from 43.8 the month before, according to the Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse.

What's causing more homeowners to once again buy a home on the Crystal Coast? The recent rise in housing prices and return of equity is planting the seed for homeowners to make a move, especially as rising mortgage rates push further into housing affordability.

But it's not all homeowners. First-time homebuyers are being held back and, in many cases, facing serious obstacles in purchasing real estate in North Carolina. Lending standards have become more strict on account of the rising rates and housing prices, thus shutting out many first-time buyers.

Homeowners have been able to come out ahead of investors due to rising prices and fewer foreclosures and distressed homes— investors have been purchasing large quantities of these distressed properties up until recently. According to HousingPulse, the investor share in home purchases dropped to 19.7 percent in June, from 23.1 in February. And now that they're slowly moving away from purchasing properties, current homeowners are able to step in.

Are you looking to purchase a new home along the Crystal Coast, NC? We will be happy to provide all the information you need to buy or sell real estate in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Morehead City, Havelock, Newport and surrounding areas.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

Crystal Coast Real Estate— Home Sales Rise to Highest in Five Years

Rising mortgage rates may be pressuring more North Carolina homebuyers into purchasing their piece of real estate now before further increases and home sales are showing the signs. According to Realtor Magazine, new-home sales have not been affected by the rising rates, but instead have risen to a 5-year high.

Are you looking to purchase a home on North Carolina's Crystal Coast? Have the rising mortgage rates and housing prices as of late forced you to question if now is the time to buy? It seems other buyers have spoken for you as new-home sales have soared through the housing recovery.

"The recent increase in mortgage rates hasn't slowed demand as long as home affordability remains high," Bob Walters, Chief Economist at Quicken Loans told Reuters. "We are, however, seeing an increased urgency from potential new homebuyers as they move to secure today's historically low rates."

It turns out, more and more buyers are returning to local real estate markets as housing inventory is slowly beginning to rise— following a long period of record lows— and housing prices continue to increase. With more bidders to move inventory quickly, buyers are urged to act fast to ensure they will snag their dream home.

So, don't let the rates scare you from purchasing your Crystal Coast home! Let us find you the right property in Emerald Isle, Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Harker's Island, and more!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

 

PURE AND SIMPLE....BUT TRUE!

"If you are lucky enough to be at the beach....

You're LUCKY enough!"

 

How many words and expressions can be used to express how wonderful it feels to be 'at the beach'?  Well, let me see!  Immediately comes to my mind are...........
Exhilarating, refreshing, calm, relaxing, stress free, joyful, vacations, waves, sea shells, dolphins, salt water, sunshine, beach music, Embers, Platters, Band of Oz, dancing, shagging, photography, and speaking of photography I would love to share some of my own favorite pictures here 'at the beach' in Carteret County, NC ..........................

The ocean's gentle roar at Indian Beach, NC

Footprints in the sand at Shackleford Island

GO FLY A KITE ONCE IN A WHILE!!  SO RELAXING!!

Beautiful sunsets over Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Ocean

FISHING!  Or in this case, 'cleaning' and feeding the birds!

NOW, don't you feel a lot better simply by being 'at the beach' through my pictures?  I hope you enjoyed seeing them as much as I did taking them!  If you are searching for your place 'AT THE BEACH', let me know.  I would love to help you reach your dream of owning a place at the beach!  Gena
www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com

Crystal Coast Real Estate— Optimism Soaring!

Despite the recent surge in housing prices and mortgage rates, local real estate demand and optimism is soaring! Buyers are more confident than ever that now is the time to purchase a home, although housing inventory levels are less than abundant, and a recent study reported that household formations are improving— meaning more children are moving out on their own and jumping into North Carolina real estate.

This is all great news, but what else is on the up and up? Realtor Magazine is reporting that builders haven't felt this upbeat about real estate since 2006!

"Builders continue to feel more optimistic about the direction of the recovery for newly-built single family homes. Builder confidence rose six points in July to 57," according to the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Any number above 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as favorable.

The index is based upon builder perception of home sales, expectations over the next six months, and buyer traffic. And with the current sales conditions, the gauge rose to its highest level since 2006, with expectations for sales over the next six months also rising to its highest level since 2005.

The report showed that builder confidence has increased across every region of the United States, making this a great time to purchase a home on the Crystal Coast.

Are you ready to start your local home search? We have new real estate listings added daily, offer free consultations, and are ready to help you reach your homebuyer goals!

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

WHEN WE LIST YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE WE PROMISE........

                  

WE PROMISE to 'ALWAYS PLACE YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS 1ST'

WE PROMISE to give you a 'current' market value for your property and not one that is priced unrealistically high just to get your listing.

WE PROMISE to keep you informed if and when the real estate market experiences a change, whether the news is good OR bad

WE PROMISE to communicate openly and frequently with you by returning your calls and emails promptly and by providing updates on internet activity.

WE PROMISE to provide showing feedback each time your property is shown.

WE PROMISE to expose your property to the maximum number of potential buyers through our Internet Marketing strategies.

WE PROMISE to promote your property to all local area REALTORS. 

WE PROMISE to BE HONEST and provide the best advice possible to assist you in marketing, staging and selling your home!

                 

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR RUNNERS FOR "RUN YOUR BOOTY OFF"! OCT. 26, 2013

Dress up in your BEST costume and 'Run Your Booty Off' on the Morehead City Waterfront OCTOBER 26, 2013! 

REGISTER AHEAD @ www.RuntheEast.com

 

Just a few of the Runners in Last Year's Race:

 

RAIN?  WHAT RAIN? 

REGISTER EARLY TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN!!!

 

 

 

Carteret Community College is celebrating it's 50th Anniversary!

                   FOR DETAILS GO TO:   http://www.carteret50.com/

405A Mansfield Parkway, Morehead City, NC Luxury Condo with Excellent Sound Views!!

FURNISHED WITH FEW EXCEPTIONS!

3.5 Bedrooms 3.5 Baths

UNBELIEVABLY PRICED AT $368,000!!!

 

3 Level, End Unit, Reversed Floor Plan Provides 180 Degree Sound Views

Private Elevator to All 3 Floors

3 Tastefully furnished bedrooms

 

Large decks on each floor overlooking Bogue Sound.  Main deck has roll out awning providing shade from the sun and a great location to watch holiday fireworks.  Single car garage and parking spot.  Low HOA's - $330 Quarterly includes outside building maintenance and grounds maintenance.  Centrally located close to shopping, schools, medical facilities, beach and water access, marinas and launching areas for boating.  Very private.  Only 4 Townhouses in this complex.

MLS#13-1533

Morehead City, NC 28557

'Bluff's View'

Visit:  www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com for additional photos and details!

NEW LISTING ON THE CRYSTAL COAST OF NC

101 MOLLY LN, NEWPORT, NC 28570

MLS#13-3449

$238,000

Lovely, architecturally designed, well maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home, located in Barnsfield Subdivision which is a Sound access development.  This home is truly created to bring the natural beauty of Nature into your home.  Very light and airy with many windows to enjoy all the beautiful views  this over one-half acre lot provides.  Two car detached garage with a screened porch is the perfect place to relax and entertain friends and family while enjoying the outside views.  It is also a great 'Man or Woman Cave' for crafty individuals who like to work outside away from the house.  

Extremely well insulated home!  Average power bill currently $130/month.

Panasonic Fan System installed & crawl space insulated to keep down humidity. 

Range, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer convey with accepted offer. 

Optional 30' Boat Slip available in Brandywine Marina for $18,500!

 

SELLERS MOTIVATED AND PRICED THIS ONE TO SELL!!

 

GREAT LOCATION!!  CLOSE TO THE CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES!

CALL & ASK FOR 'GENA' OR 'HAROLD' 877-240-0259

eMail:  www.GenaGilbertRealEstate.com

 

July 4th on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Happy 4th of July! If you're looking for some holiday fun or a fireworks display, check out this list of events in the Coastal Carolina area. Fun for the entire family in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle and more!

Atlantic Beach
July 4, 2013
Fireworks will start at the Atlantic Beach Boardwalk at 9:00 PM.

Morehead City
July 4, 2013
Downtown Morehead City will be busy this 4th of July with live music and fireworks. You can enjoy sounds of The Main Event Band as they perform from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Jaycee Park on the Morehead City Waterfront. You can then continue the fun with dancing and a fireworks display. The fireworks will be launched from Sugarloaf Island across from Jaycee Park at 9:00 PM.

Beaufort
July 4, 2013
Grounds open at the NC Maritime Museum Annex at 6:00 PM and fireworks will begin at 9:00 PM. 

Nags Head
July 4, 2013
Fireworks will begin at 9:25 PM at the Nags Head Fishing Pier, milepost 11.5.

Emerald Isle
July 4, 2013
EmeraldFest offers live music and a spot by the ocean. You're suggested to bring chairs, blankets, even dinner! EmeraldFest also allows access to volleyball courts, picnic tables and restrooms. Western Ocean Regional Access (WORA) in Emerald Isle. No admission fee, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation.

Havelock
July 4, 2013
Havelock Freedom Festival begins tonight t 5:00 PM at City Park. Fireworks will start at 9:00 PM at Walter B. Jones Park.

Swansboro
July 4, 2013
Celebrate with live music downtown at 6:00 PM and fireworks at 9:00 PM.

Gena Gilbert

Search for Properties | Contact | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter