The Crystal Coast Blog

In my previous Crystal Coast Blog post, I spoke about the major time commitment involved to go For Sale Buyer Owner. The next big challenge you’ll face when selling your Emerald Isle home yourself is the need for a solid Internet marketing plan. You might be asking why an Internet marketing plan? Many real estate marketing experts (present company included) will tell you can forget about placing ads in your local area newspapers. It’s a waste of your money and your valuable time. The vast majority of Crystal Coast home buyers troll the web. In fact, statistics now indicate as high as 85% of all home buyers now use the web to search for homes.

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So can you pull it off and sell your own Emerald Isle home? The thoughts of saving 6% or 7% for the agency commission is mighty tempting. So is it possible to sale your home yourself? Sure you can, but know this – selling your Crystal Coast home yourself will take:

1. A major commitment of your time
2. A fool-proof Internet marketing plan
3. Knowledge of your local market
4. The ability to accurately price your property
5. An understanding of the legal implications of the North Carolina real estate transaction
6. Skillful at negotiating the offer
7. And plenty of help from a few respected experts (attorney, title company, lending consultant and so forth).

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Sail Over to Beaufort

Held at the NC Maritime Museum, the 34th Annual Wooden Boat show offers a variety of small boats, boat rides and a wooden boat building competition, the 34th Annual Wooden Boat Show begins today, April 27th. This week long event is held in downtown Beaufort through May 3rd. This Crystal Coast town will be the “main harbor” for this weeks maritime activities.

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Are You Renting an Emerald Isle Beach House This Summer? Here is What to Bring

Renting a Crystal Coast beach cottage or condo can be a wonderful experience if you remember to bring along all the essential items you need to make your vacation more enjoyable. If you forget an item, more than likely you will be able rent it once you arrive. Comprehensive beach rental gear vendors are located in Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach.

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It’s Easier than You Think!

We all know the beach is a wonderful place to make memories. And what better way to document your time together than by taking awesome photographs. Believe it or not, beautiful photos can be taken on the beach and it’s easier than you think. We recommend you try these simple tips.

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Spring is Bike Inspection Time

Longer days, crystal blue skies and warmer temps are sure signs that spring is in full swing here in Emerald Isle. Now is the right time to give your bike and biking gear a quick safety inspection before you put your bike through another rigorous workout. Ron Ryan, bike repair pro with Highway 58 Bicycles, emailed me the other day to offer these timely tips to getting your bike ready for more time spent on those wonderful bike paths here in beautiful Emerald Isle.

Ron recommends you:

• Check your helmet from time to time for bad straps, worn chin snaps and helmet cracks. If your helmet has any of these problems, it’s time for a new one. Moms and dads, be sure your child’s helmet fits securely and properly.
• Check for broken or missing reflectors. There should 8 reflectors on your bike.

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Every Season is Kite Flying Season

Here on the beaches of the Southern Outer Banks, it’s always the right season to come fly your kite. And if you’re in need of such a “flying machine”, there is no better place to purchase said “stringed aerial apparatus” than at Kites Unlimited (& BirdStuff, etc.) in Atlantic Beach. Located in the Atlantic Station Shopping Center just down from the Outer Banks Outfitters marine store, this is one shop that is a must on your list of Atlantic Beach shops to visit.

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Come Early to Avoid the Rush

For those who have never visited Emerald Isle and the Southern Outer Banks, if you’re planning a trip to the Crystal Coast you must make it a point to dine at RuckeRJohns in Emerald Isle in the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. Those who come to Emerald Isle know you must arrive early to avoid a lengthy wait (high season Friday & Saturday supper wait times can exceed 1.5 hours).

Meal Was More Like Sunday Dinner with the Family

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These Buoys Will Make You Happy!

No doubt, you have seen those brightly painted chains of buoys strung on numerous decks and porches on the Crystal Coast. We stopped by the home of Sue Frost the other day and had to take a look at her incredible collection of colorful hand painted buoys. Sue and her husband are the creative geniuses behind Porch Buoys by Sue and their business is located across from the Crab Shack on Salter Path Road (Hiway 58) in Salter Path.

A Wide Assortment

Offering various lengths of buoys, these beautiful works of Crystal Coast art will brighten your deck, porch or any area of your home. For more information on Porch Buoys by Sue, give her a call at 252-247-6726 or email at sales@porchbuoys.com. Sue ask you allow 10 business days for delivery. Be sure to contact Sue with any questions or special orders.

Porch Buoys by Sue Pricing Guide

1. 3 Buoys and two spacers $36.00

2. 5 Buoys and four spacers $62.00

3. 7 Buoys and six spacers $83.00

You must add $12.OO for shipping and handling.

Support of Local Crystal Coast Artist

We offer this information without compensation and trust you will support the local artist in the Carteret County area.

Until my next post,

Bobby

Bowling Comes to the Crystal Coast

During a recent visit to the Golfin Dolphin in Cape Carteret, I spoke with Assistant Manager Tiffany Chavez. Tiffany stated Mac Daddy’s Bowling is scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend. Mac Daddy’s is a complete 24-lane bowling facility with a sports bar and grill, arcade and conference rooms. Now you have one more choice for fun things to do on the Crystal Coast.

Spring Hours at Golfin Dolphin

Tiffany also stated their new spring hours are in “full-swing” at the Golfin Dolphin. Weekday hours are 9:30am to 7:00pm and weekend hours are 9:00am until 7:00pm.

Once Mac Daddy’s is open, we will provide more information and photos too!

Helping you have more fun on the Crystal Coast,

Bobby