New-Home Sales Rising Fast, News for North Carolina Homebuyers

Just as every other factor in local real estate has been rising— mortgage rates, housing prices, inventories, buyer and seller confidence— so to have new-home sales. These are all great signs of the real estate recovery which is especially promising news for North Carolina homebuyers. 

According to the National Association of Home Builders, sales of new single-family homes posted gains in May for the third consecutive month, rising 2.1 percent.  

"Builders are reporting increased demand for new homes as buyers seek to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates while they remain so favorable," says Rick Judson, National Association of Home Builders chairman. "Consumers in markets nationwide are definitely becoming more confident about making a home purchase as firming prices and tighter inventories provide further evidence of the ongoing housing recovery."

With inventory also rising, Crystal Coast homebuyers and sellers are becoming increasingly confident that now is the time to take advantage of the real estate market. The economy is improving and economists are predicting more increases ahead as housing likely remains a consistent driver of growth this year.

Although spurring housing price increases, the tight inventories that came to define the housing market in previous months are now lifting and in turn, have urged the construction of more homes. According to Realtor Magazine, builders began work on more than one million homes in March, again highlighting that buyer confidence is on the rise. 

Are you ready to count yourself among the Crystal Coast homeowners and purchase a Coastal Carolina property? Let's chat to discuss your wants, needs, and options and move forward to act on your real estate goals. 

Gena Gilbert

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Crystal Coast Homebuyers: Home Value Appreciation Stays Strong

You've undoubtedly been hearing about rising mortgage rates, increases in housing prices, and the long-awaited recovery of the real estate market. These may not seem like hot button topics for you, but if you're planning to purchase a home on the Crystal Coast, you should take heed.

Rising mortgage rates and housing price upticks are two big indicators that you should not waste time acting on your dream property or wait out the market to see what happens next. Experts say these factors will only continue to rise throughout the rest of the year, making this positive news and a call to action for North Carolina homebuyers.

Another factor that's on the rise is home value appreciation. According to Zillow, "the rate of annual home value appreciation has been near or above 5 percent for several months this year, and May was no exception. Home values were up 5.4 percent year-over-year in May, the second-highest annual rate of national appreciation registered in the past 12 months." Home values have not risen to these levels since July 2004.

But again, like mortgage rates and housing prices, this is something that may not last long. Experts project the pace of home value appreciation nationwide and in local real estate markets to ease as more sellers enter the market and builders begin construction on more new homes. Both of these will give the low inventory statements a rest and allow for more choices when you are choosing your new Coastal Carolina home.

The housing recovery is making improvements, but along with these come factors that are best to act upon now if you wish for the best possible real estate scenario. Ready to act on your Crystal Coast homebuyer dreams? I'm ready to help!

Gena Gilbert

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Avoid Seller's Remorse with Your Crystal Coast Home

In local real estate markets across the country, buyer demand has outweighed housing inventory— with the strength of the market almost resting with Crystal Coast home sellers. Now that seller confidence is picking up again and more current homeowners are placing their properties up for sale, seller's remorse looms overhead. It is a great time to sell in North Carolina, but how can you know if it's the right time for you to sell? 

Seller's remorse does not carry the same luxuries as buyer's remorse. There is no getting out of a contract once you decide to sell your home. You need to be absolutely sure you're ready to sell your home. Keep the following tips in mind to avoid getting yourself into a jam during the summer buying season.

Find the Right Pricing Strategy
The right real estate agent will price your home competitively to ensure a quick and successful sale. This is the most important discussion you can have with your agent on selling your Crystal Coast home, so if you experience a disconnect on pricing, the best thing to do is talk through the options or get a second opinion. Perhaps try listing the home higher at first, if there's no activity, you can always reduce. Either way, you need to feel comfortable with the listing price number.

Be Ready to Negotiate 
North Carolina sellers are now in the driver's seat in real estate which means negotiations are in your hands. In an effort to keep the deal together, be ready and willing to negotiate with any buyers who bid on your property. When you have a clear plan for all outcomes, you're more likely to come out of the experience with a sale you feel good about.

In Doubt? Stay Out
Sellers need to plan for the sale of their Coastal Carolina home months in advance. While home selling is picking up in most areas of the country— great news for real estate— you need to be certain you're ready to move. If you have any doubts about your financial situation, hold off on listing the property. Then when you're truly ready to jump in, you're less likely to experience any seller's remorse.

Gena Gilbert

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Crystal Coast Appraisals on the Rise

In past months, real estate professionals and Crystal Coast homebuyers alike have eagerly awaited a property's appraisal to return to them— and not always did it return with good news. Homebuyers have long dreaded that a property's value would come back under the agreed selling price and by how much? Up until recent months, many a real estate sale have been cancelled due to low appraisals. 


However, according to Realtor Magazine, the real estate industry is experiencing a change in appraisal values and Crystal Coast homebuyers can be assured they are getting a great price on their future homes. CNNMoney also reports appraisal values are edging up to match the agreed selling price.

It has been no secret that home prices across the nation are rising and inventory is growing even more thin in local real estate markets. It can only been seen as a great sign of the housing recovery that appraisers are now valuing homes at or above their selling prices to reflect these changes in the industry.

Those searching for homes in on North Carolina's Crystal Coast this season are in luck as, in some cases, appraisals may even return at a higher price than the selling price. This is just another great sign that the housing recovery is in effect and now is the time to begin searching for your future property to call home!

Gena Gilbert

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North Carolina Bidding Wars are Back!

You may have heard a lot about rising home prices on the Crystal Coast real estate market recently. Prices have indeed begun to rise, but what's also on the rise is the prevalence of bidding wars in home sales! What's fueling them? It seems buyer demand and a low inventory of homes have a pull in the game.

According to Realtor Magazine, the number of homes for sale are at the lowest point in more than 10 years, but buyer demand is higher than ever. The result comes in the form of bidding wars where buyers are urged to jump on the attractive homes that are on the local market.

Gone are the days of lowball offers as more potential homebuyers jump off of the sidelines, looking for their future Crystal Coast home. Some real estate agents are even suggesting that homes are being underpriced to promote bidding wars and the quick sale. Many sellers are not pricing at the market value as, given the current state of the market, you do not want to overprice your property.

Pricing below market value is a great way to promote activity on properties and ensure the quick sale— what every Coastal Carolina seller wants. However, the question now is not whether a home will get multiple offers but just how many it will get.

Does your home stand out enough to snag multiple offers in today's market? Here's two ways you can be sure:

1. Understand the Crystal Coast Buyer
2. Prepare your Home to Sell

By following these tips, you can sit back and let the bidding wars begin! Or if you're a buyer, dive in!

Gena Gilbert

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This Weekend on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

This weekend will be a great time to get out and experience everything the beautiful Crystal Coast has to offer. Whether through music, festivals, food, or shopping, these events will help you remember (or decide if you're considering a move to Coastal Carolina) why it's so great to live in this area. Below is a list of events happening over the next few days that are sure to make this a weekend worth talking about. 

Alive at Five Concert Series

May 3, 2013; 5 PM to 8 PM

Katherine Davis Park

Morehead City, NC

This concert series features crowd-pleasing bands and runs on dates through the end of August. It's a family-friendly event series promoted by the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association and will serve beverages for your enjoyment.

Classic Movie Night at Emerald Isle

May 3, 2013; 6 PM

Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation Gym

Emerald Isle, NC

This is a FREE event happening on the first Friday of the month, sponsored by Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation. The movie this week is "The Graduate" starring Dustin Hoffman and popcorn and drinks will be sold for $1. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.

Down & Derby

May 4, 2013; 4 PM to 8 PM

Emerald Isle Beach and Pool Club in Dolphin Ridge

Emerald Isle, NC

Come celebrate Kentucky Derby Day at this local event benefitting Emerald Isle's Bike and Pedestrian Path. There will be live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, and cash bar to support completing this community project. Tickets are $30 per person and all attendees are encouraged to wear their derby attire! For more information or tickets, visit the Emerald Isle Community Center or call 252-342-8248. 

39th Annual Wooden Boat Show

May 4, 2013; 10 AM to 4:30 PM

North Carolina Maritime Museum

Beaufort, NC

Celebrate the art of North Carolina boatbuilding and the sport of boat racing with the 39th Annual Wooden Boat Show at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. This FREE event will feature dozens of handcrafted wooden boats and activities for all ages. Kids can take part in maritime games and crafts in the Wooden Boat Kids area and make their own model boats.

Coastal Gardening Workshop

May 4, 2013; 10 AM to 12 PM

Core Sound Waterfowl and Heritage Museum

Harker's Island, NC

Do you love to garden, but find the challenges of storms, sand, salty winds and sun overwhelming in your coastal North Carolina garden? This FREE program will showcase Master Gardeners to help answer the challenges of gardening at the coast.  Come check out the many speakers, booths, demonstrations, handouts, and plant sales.

Gena Gilbert

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Going Green in Your Coastal Carolina Home

You've heard the term "going green" countless times and now that you're considering bringing your Crystal Coast beach home into the eco-friendly era, you're wondering what that really means. It seems everyone is jumping on the green train in real estate and the good news is it's not just a trend. Many potential homebuyers are searching for homes with that eco-friendly factor and find it essential for their future homes to follow the lifestyle too.

So what does it really take for your Coastal Carolina home to be green?

According to Zillow, the standard for going green is LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a system of the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED buildings are specifically designed to conserve resources, reduce waste, lower costs, and keep both you and your family safe in terms of a healthy living environment.

But you don't have to build a new home to be a LEED-inspired home. The standards can be applied to new construction or existing homes in the Crystal Coast area. You don't need to go so far as to obtain LEED certification for your home, but the principles can be applied quite easily.

1. Switch to low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.
2. Use fluorescent light bulbs or LEDs (light-emitting diodes) instead of incandescent lights.
3. Install low-flow toilets and other energy conserving appliances and fixtures.
4. Install rain barrels at your downspouts.
5. Switch your laundry to cold water instead of hot.

It doesn't take a lot of work to make your North Carolina home eco-friendly for your family. Going green at home is so great many celebrities are implementing upgrades in their homes as well. Think Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, and Cameron Diaz, to name a few. With just a few tips and some standard home supplies, you too can be on your way to a greener, healthier lifestyle in your Crystal Coast home.

Gena Gilbert

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Earth Day on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Earth Day is a great time to celebrate living a cleaner, greener lifestyle and make the switch to options better suited for our environment. The following events are happening in the Crystal Coast area for you to participate and pledge your help to making the world a better place— even if you only start with planting a few flowers.

Explore Rachel Carson Reserve

Friday, April 19, 2013

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Take part in a hike through the varying habitats on Town Marsh and Bird Shoal led by the NC Maritime Museum. Reservations are required and the event is priced at $15. For more information, visit ncmaritimemuseum.org. 

Crystal Coast Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach
10 AM - 3 PM
This FREE event is your chance to get close to marine creatures like whelks and sea stars with a touch tank, meet rescued wildlife, make coastal North Carolina crafts, and learn more ways you can help protect the environment. Come join Cape Lookout National Seashore and other environmental educators for this Earth Day celebration that will be fun for the whole family.

Other Earth Day Activities:

Cape Lookout National Seashore
A boat ride just three miles offshore brings you to the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Experience the environment by horse watching, shelling, fishing, or birding— notice how your lifestyle can affect the animals in their habitats.

North Carolina Aquariums
Open 9 AM - 5 PM
Adults $8, Children $6
There are 4 North Carolina aquariums you can visit on Earth Day— Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher, and Jennette's Pier. Take a look inside their marine environments and learn how we can help take better care of them.

Fort Macon State Park
Your local parks are great places to spend Earth Day. Grab a few friends and help pick up any litter you see or simply enjoy their beauty on a special holiday to celebrate their future.

Gena Gilbert

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Preparing to Sell Your Crystal Coast Home

With recent studies suggesting the housing market has returned, consumer confidence is higher than ever, and more and more mortgage applications being filed, it's a great time to think about placing your North Carolina Crystal Coast home up for sale. The following tips can help you determine if you're ready to sell your home and if so, how to ensure buyer's they are getting the best possible deal on the local real estate market.

Are you ready?
This is the first question to ask yourself in the home selling process. You'll want to think about what you would want to see in the home if you were making the purchase. The goal is to show that your home looks attractive, maximizes space, and attracts buyers by making any necessary repairs, painting, or adding updates to give your home an edge.

When to Sell
The weather has a lot to do with when buyers search for homes and when they are more apt to buy. The Crystal Coast real estate market may be hotter in the summer when families have more free time to look at potential properties with children out of school and more properties tend to be on the market at this time. Home prices also tend to have more to do with demand patterns rather than the time of year— so with inventory higher in the summer months, home prices will reflect that.

Improving Value
Buyers often choose the least expensive home in the best neighborhood they can afford. They want the best deal and improving the value in your Atlantic Beach home can help them make the right decision. You'll want to show your home as the best in the area, a great deal while not over-improved. Cosmetic improvements are a great place to start: replacing windows, adding new coats of paint, and putting your time and energy into landscaping. These improvements are good investments that you can earn back with the sale of the home. Mechanical repairs to make sure all appliances and systems are in good, working condition are also required to get a top price.

The goal of preparing your North Carolina home for sale is to ensure it is competitive with other homes on the local real estate market. As buyers tour numerous homes on their search, you'll want yours to stand out as both a great deal and ideal property.

Gena Gilbert

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Understanding the Crystal Coast Buyer

Choosing a home along North Carolina's Crystal Coast isn't always just about considering price, condition, and location. Today's market is throwing home buyers a curve and some are no longer so certain a home purchase is a great investment.

If you're a home seller, the key to helping the right buyer find your home is in understanding what they face on today's Crystal Coast real estate market, so you ultimately can make the right moves to lead to the long-awaited purchase.

Price to Sell
Buyers always begin the search for homes with prices. While they may scour neighborhoods or take a look at homes out of their price ranges, buyers know their price and use it when it comes to serious shopping for their future home.

Walking through homes, buyers will make fast decisions based on size, condition, and location as compared to the listing price. Ask yourself, as the seller, does your home offer the buyer enough bang for their buck?

Stage to Sell
Buyers have a wealth of resources to compare Crystal Coast homes and will use them when on the house hunt. With videos, virtual tours, photos and feature sheets, buyers can quickly sort through homes to compile the shortlist of what really interests them. Be sure to de-clutter, clean, update, and stage your home to allow it to stand out among the rest.

Just as you researched before placing your home for sale, so have the buyers. They know which homes are overpriced and may make the assumption that the seller is unmotivated or has unrealistic expectations. If you place yourself in their shoes, just think— the buyer will make an offer on the home that offers the most for their money and the one that appears most reasonable to an offer. Does your home suggest that you're closed to negotiation? Ask yourself and use your answer to better determine if your home is priced, and staged, correctly.

The Buyer and the Bank
If buyers are serious about purchasing a home, they will not wait for long. They will share their financial information with banks and get prequalified with a lender who will tell them exactly what they can afford. However, applying for mortgages and obtaining loans is not as easy as it used to be. They now require stricter proof from buyers that they are able to repay their loans, which then qualifies them at much lower levels. Ask yourself, as the seller, are you willing to help the buyer purchase your home by paying aspects of the sell?

If you've asked yourself the necessary questions and are ready to work with buyers on the Crystal Coast real estate market, then you are that much closer to making the sell. Ready to purchase your next home? Let's chat!

Gena Gilbert

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Easter Events on North Carolina's Crystal Coast

This weekend there will be Easter bunnies, egg hunts, Peter Cottontail and so much more hopping down North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Whether you already live here or are just visiting, be sure to visit one of the following events for a weekend full of Easter fun.

Beaufort Historical Association Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 11 AM

Cost: FREE

Hop over to the Beaufort Historic Site on the 100 Block of Turner Street and join the fun at the Beaufort Historical Association’s Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 30 at 11 AM. Children ages seven and younger are invited to search for hidden eggs filled with candy and enjoy light refreshments.

The BHA Easter Egg Hunt is fun for the whole family. Children will be divided into age groups and sent to different areas of the Historic Site to search for eggs. All you need to bring is your Easter basket and arrive early for the start of the hunt.

Morehead City Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 9:30 AM

The Annual Morehead City Parks & Recreation Department Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 30 at 9:30 AM at Rotary Park— 2200 Mayberry Loop Road in Morehead City. The egg hunt activity areas are divided into the following age groups: 4 and under, 5 through 8, and 9 through 12.

Thousands of eggs will be in each age section and kids tend to snatch these up at supersonic speeds, so please plan to arrive early! The eggs are sometimes even collected in under two minutes! You won't want to be late for this event.

Pine Knoll Shores Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 30, 10 AM

Cost: FREE

The Easter Bunny always finds his way to Garner Park, located on Oakleaf Drive, to hide hundreds of eggs for the kids. Although the hunt is geared toward children 12 and under, this Easter event is fun for the whole family! 

Wishing you a very hoppy weekend in the Coastal Carolina area!

Gena Gilbert

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