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Home » sunset beach nc

5 Things to Check out Before Buying a Home

April 25, 2016 by admin Leave a Comment

It’s always a smart idea to do your homework before buying one of the things you really should investigate before purchasing a property in Sunset Beach North Carolina? Now, of course this goes for purchasing a home just about anywhere but as Sunset Beach Realtors, our focus is on Brunswick Islands and the buyers and sellers in this area. However, these can certainly go for just about any home purchase.

Here are five things you need to check out before buying a home.

#1. Mortgage Rates5 Things to Check out Before Buying a Home

This will probably be the biggest loan and the biggest purchase you’ll ever make so it really pays to check out mortgage rates. You can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest by choosing the right loan, the right terms and the right rate for your needs and your long-term budget.

Read more: The surprising cost of homeownership

#2. Property Taxes

Buying a home is more than simply repaying the principal and interest on your mortgage. Not only will you have that but you’ll have insurance and property taxes. Buying a particular area that is more popular than another area could cost you hundreds of dollars more in property taxes each year and you need to be prepared for that.

#3. Neighborhood Safety

Before settling on a home you’ll want to check out the crime statistics and neighborhood watch information of that particular neighborhood. You certainly don’t want to learn that you’ve moved in next to an active sex offender after you’ve already unpacked all the boxes. This can be extremely important if you have small children as well. Check with crime statistics in the area that you’re looking so you feel safe in your home and in your neighborhood.

#4. Neighbors

Talking with neighbors can give you a great insight on the neighborhood itself. They can tell you who’s noisy at the crack of dawn on Saturdays and Sundays or shortcuts to get to markets and shops. They can also tell you how safe the neighborhood is if there’s anything that you should be aware of by moving into the neighborhood.

#5. Credit Score

In order to get the best rate and term on your mortgage having a high credit score is imperative. Know your credit score and your report before applying for a mortgage and if you need to increase your score, talk to you about the best way to do that so that you can get the best rate when the time comes.

We want you to be satisfied with your purchase long after you sign the final closing papers. But getting the best rate, understanding all of the costs involved and feeling comfortable in the neighborhood is a great way to do your investigative homework before buying a house.

For more information contact our office today to get started on researching a neighborhood, neighbors or if you need resources for shopping mortgages.

Filed Under: Buyers Tagged With: buying home, first time buyers, home buyers, sunset beach nc

How to Enhance Your Beach Home’s Curb Appeal

April 12, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Most people that want to live by the beach also want the look and feel of a beach-themed home. This extends out of the house in the way of curb appeal too. But what’s the best way to enhance the beachy curb appeal of your oceanfront home?

How to Enhance Your Beach Home's Curb Appeal

First off, are you selling your home or making it your dream home? Because these two things can definitely call for different landscaping. If you’re selling, you’ll need to look at your home through the eyes of a buyer. Is the front of the house look? Is there peeling paint? Overgrown bushes or shrubs? Tired mulch or dead flowers? These are immediate needs that will need to be tended to before deciding on a theme or a style. If you have grass make sure it is mowed, trimmed, and edged. You want to create a cohesive feel using different types of plants to go with the landscaping.

Try and stick to the landscaping of the area. If you have a beachfront home you’re probably not going to be creating an English garden or Japanese garden. If you’re selling your home people expect to the beach themed look with lots of rock, driftwood, rope accents and flowing grasses. Stick to a core set of similar plants so the landscaping doesn’t look as though it’s broken up.

How to Enhance Your Beach Home's Curb Appeal

Another way to enhance your beachfront home is to develop a sense of flow making certain visual markers along sight lines that draw the eye from one end of the home or yard to the other. You might do this by creating a path that transitions in the same place the yard does at slightly different elevations or for shaded areas open up into the sunny areas.

If you’re creating a space for yourself consider what you use the landscaping for. Do you prefer to entertain in the front or in the back? Are you looking for a space that you can relax, hangout, entertain or simply curl up with a good book? Create a setting not just a space. If you have a big front porch consider putting out a hammock for big, oversized chair. Set out a small table and if the area is covered consider putting a couple books on the table, perfect for curling up, watching the traffic or the people walk by and enjoying a good book.

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Consider adding a rope fence either from the driveway or road to the home or in the back from the home to the beach. Have flowing grasses and variegated styles stretching over the path but make sure they don’t block too much of the path. A boardwalk is a great addition if you can spend a little money. This can be expensive but will certainly add a beach theme to the front or back of your home.

Beach themed homes are typically not cluttered or crowded so leave open space for the ocean air to sweep around the home and on the porch. There are certain flowers and roses that can grow up on lattices around door frames and windows that  perfectly frame the door and love the ocean air. 

If you’re planning on selling, talk to us about staging your home for today’s buyers. If you’re planning on creating a space for yourself, check out this great Pinterest page all about beach curb appeal.

Image by Josh Meek & Google Maps

Filed Under: Sellers Tagged With: beach home, curb appeal, landscape, sunset beach nc

Home Improvement Tips to Living a More Green Life in 2016

January 11, 2016 by admin 1 Comment

Most of us want to be a little kinder to the environment and with more energy saving appliances, techniques and innovations out there, your entire home can be more eco-friendly. It might be expensive to completely convert your home to green living all at once but doing little things step-by-step can really make a large impact in your energy costs and in the environment around you. Here are some home improvement tips and innovations to living a more green life in 2016.Home Improvement Tips to Living a More Green Life in 2016

Lighting and electronics.

It’s no great secret that these two items use a the most electricity and energy in a home. Lighting alone can account for up to 12% of your annual energy bill. Smart lighting, dimmers and sensors can cut this cost by about 60%. It can be very easy to add in some simple sensors in each room so that the light comes on or off with movement. You might install some dimmers to control the lights or if you’re really fancy, set up your lighting to your smart phone or mobile device, which notifies you when lights or certain appliances are left on if you’re not home.

Thermostat.

The thermostat has always been a great way to save on energy costs and more innovations are coming out every year with new technology to control and manage the temperature in your home better. Thermostat such as the Nest works with movement in the house so if there is no movement, the temperature will drop to whatever you set it to. This is great when you go away for the weekend, at night or if there’s no movement during the day. The Nest will sense when there’s no one in the house and either turn the temperature down or to whatever you’ve preset the temperature at. This device can also be controlled by your smart phone or mobile device so that you can turn on the heat a couple hours before you get home. This type of programmable thermostat can save up to 23% in energy costs a year.

Home Improvement Tips to Living a More Green Life in 2016Batteries.

There are plenty of solar charge batteries out there including those for your car, solar panels, and electrical devices in your home. You could choose a large item such as the Power wall, which cost about $7000 but provides electricity generated by solar panels, storing energy that can be used during evening hours of the backup energy supply source or a sort of generator. You can simply use solar charge batteries or rechargeable batteries rather than going through the slew of batteries and then throwing them away into landfills.

Solar panels.

Solar panels have always been a great way to conserve energy and use the source that we have readily available to us. There are systems called “Community Solar Power” where consumers no longer have to pay for installation costs to enjoy the benefits of solar power but that they actually might be giving back to the utility companies in additional energy. Speak to your local community or city about ways that you can benefit the community and city by installing solar panels yourself.

There are simple ways both expensive and inexpensive to reduce your carbon footprint on this planet. If you’re simply looking to save energy costs yourself, start with lighting and heating. By energy Star appliances and high-efficiency washers, dryers and dishwashers. By doing your part you not only save yourself money but you save a little bit of the planet as well.

Filed Under: Homeownership Tagged With: energy, energy efficiency, homeownership, sunset beach nc

Sunset Beach Real Estate Report

September 22, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Buying and selling in the Sunset Beach real estate market means that you need to understand the current market trends, whether it’s a buyers or a seller’s market, and make sure you’re not paying too much if you’re purchasing or getting as much as you can if you’re selling. All of this means that you need to understand the trends, where the market has been and projections on where it’s going.Sunset Beach NC real estate market

This real estate market report is for September, 2015 focusing mainly on the Sunset Beach real estate market.

Currently the average list price is about $298,000. The median sales price is up nearly 20% over last year at around $175,000. The median list price is $185,000.

 Looking at the market trends over the last several years, the Sunset Beach area had a spike in 2009 with a median sales price was $381,000. Although it didn’t drop in 2010, it’s remained relatively stable. At the beginning of 2015 it hit its highest in five years and nearly $300,000.

 Throughout the Sunset Beach area and surrounding communities and villages there are roughly 380 properties for sale. These properties are priced from $22,000 for parcels of land to $2.6 million for a larger commercial development. The largest single family home is located at 1821 East Main St. priced at $1,695,000. This is a 4000 ft.² for bedroom and four bath home. There are currently three homes in the $1 million range, one home in the $900,000 range, and three homes in the $800,000 range.

 In the condominium and townhouse market there are currently 102 properties for sale listed from $69,000-$420,000. With in the city limits specifically there are 112 properties for sale total.

 For more information on homes, properties and townhouses for sale throughout the Sunset Beach real estate market please contact our office or browse more listings on our website at http://www.sunsetbeachandbeyond.com

 

 

Filed Under: Market Reports Tagged With: real estate market, sunset beach nc

Surprising Cost of Homeownership

July 17, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

When purchasing a home and thinking about budgeting and costs of a home buyers will usually calculate the cost of the loan/monthly mortgage payments, down payment, and maybe even the closing costs. All too often home buyers,more often first time buyers,neglect to add changes in monthly bills and maintenance costs into the purchase of a new home.Surprising Cost of Homeownership

If you are smart and meticulous with your finances you may have calculated the cost of monthly utilities into the price of owning a new home. After all it is widely known that a homeowner is responsible for their own utility and garbage costs. Home owners moving to a new part of the nation or even from the city to the wide open spaces of the country may not have thought about extra expenses of moving to these places reflected in monthly bills. If you move from the west coast where central gas or electric heat is the norm to the east coast you may be shocked to find more expenses in heating a cooling bills with more severe climate changes during the seasons. If you are moving from the city to the country you may find yourself paying more for well maintenance, propane tank fill ups, and septic services.

When things around the home go into disrepair they are now your responsibility to fix. There can be a number of maintenance costs that come with home ownership from routine replacement of older parts to emergency fixes of busted pipes. It is a good idea when you are thinking of purchasing a home to set aside a fund for these needed repairs so you can stay on top of home maintenance and keep your home in its best working condition.

Surprising Cost of HomeownershipOne way to save money in the purchase of your home to add to a maintenance fund would be to ask for credits on your loan instead of a lower purchase price. Many lenders will allow a credit back from the seller up to 6 percent which lowers the amount of closing costs the buyer needs to bring to the table. This money can be set aside for a rainy day or home maintenance fund.

A smart idea to help get an idea and form a home maintenance plan is during the home inspection. An inspection does not need to be solely for the purpose of finding any underlying problems in the home. Take the time to learn about the different systems inside the home that keep it running and what each of them need for proper care and maintenance and how much those things cost from your inspector.

Maintenance is a huge part of home ownership. Make sure to have a plan in action of how you will maintain your new dream investment.Many home buyers have made the mistake of not budgeting for home repairs and routine maintenance needs. Home ownership isn’t fun when you cant afford to take care of your home.

For more home buyer tips and information on Sunset Beach NC real estate please browse our website or contact us anytime.

 

Filed Under: Buyers Tagged With: buyers, costs, homeownership, sunset beach nc, sunset buyers

Reasons to Use a Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing New Construction

June 19, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

There is a common misconception out there that you don’t need a buyers agent when purchasing a new construction home. When you pull up to a construction site and go in to look at the onsite model home/ office the agent working for the builders will give the impression that they can handle everything for you on the purchase. This subjects buyers to “dual agency” or using a real estate agent that is working for both the buyer and seller.Reasons to Use a Buyer's Agent When Purchasing New Construction

The agent onsite is contracted by the builder to uphold the best interests of the builder. They have signed paper work committing themselves to the benefit of the builder. They by law cannot work to negotiate on the buyer’s behalf against the builder. You will find that if you bring your own agent to a new construction site the builder’s agent is okay with that and may even welcome it.

Here are some reasons why it is in a buyer’s best interest to bring their own buyers agent when purchasing new construction:

-Site agents want to sell homes for the builder and quickly not check in to see how a new home owner is doing after the close

-It is easier for site agents to speak with experienced agents than buyers

-Buyers agents are more open to any questions buyers have and have more time to get answers

-An experienced agent knows how to ask the buyer what they need and want in a home and what price they can affordReasons to Use a Buyer's Agent When Purchasing New Construction

-A buyers agent experienced in dealing with new construction deals will know how to negotiate to get you the best price/terms/warranty possible. They know how builders work and the right questions to ask and negotiations to make.

-A good buyer’s agent will take the time to go over the contract in detail and explain everything you are about to agree to with your best interest in mind

-Buyer’s agents will give advice when something in the contract comes up that may not be beneficial to the buying party and can advise on how to remedy it

-A buyer’s agent knows the current market and what comparable prices of other new construction homes in the area are to get you an even better price

-You don’t have to pay the listing price on a new construction home buyer’s agents know this and can save you thousands by negotiating on your behalf

When purchasing a home it is always beneficial to bring an experienced buyer’s agent with you to get you the best price possible on a home that fits your lifestyle. For more information on Sunset Beach NC real estate browse our website or contact us anytime.

Affiliate Resources:

How much does it cost to build a house in Utah

Our Tips: New Construction in Brunswick County

Filed Under: Buyers Tagged With: buyers agent, new construction, sunset beach nc, sunset beach real estate

What our clients say

Ken and Linda Foltz

“Life will lead you to where you belong. Five years ago life led me to meeting Karen Baker at an...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:16:32+00:00
“Life will lead you to where you belong. Five years ago life led me to meeting Karen Baker at an Open House. Our relationship continues as Karen and her husband Frank have been outstanding not only in helping my husband and I find the right retirement relocation home, but we have watched their commitment in helping many others find their homes. She and Frank treat every client as if they are the only ones that exist. They provide thorough research of areas and homes of interest and present you with the options. They are not your typical hard sell, must-buy-now realtors. They are here to help you find your next home?. You won’t go wrong with the Bakers!
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/ken-and-linda-foltz/

Steve & Jean DeVito

“The Bakers treated us like family during our whirlwind weekend of looking at houses. Prior to our on-site visit to...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:17:46+00:00
“The Bakers treated us like family during our whirlwind weekend of looking at houses. Prior to our on-site visit to Sunset Beach they created a portal and populated it with properties that met our ever-evolving criteria. By time we arrived we had a good feel for what we could afford and what was available that met our criteria. The Bakers, especially Karen, were able to make sense of what we thought we were looking for and eventually matched us with a house that we ended up purchasing — Karen called it the “This is it” house and she was right. We are loving our 2nd home and appreciate how painless Karen and Frank made the process. All the paperwork was done seamlessly and quickly and the closing went off without a hitch. The Bakers do not believe in the hard sell — they gave us the knowledge we needed and the guidance we needed to make our dream a reality.”
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/steve-jean-devito/

Matt & Amy Carver

Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:18:22+00:00
Amy and I have bought and sold four properties in the past twelve years. Both of you are the best realtors we have ever dealt with. Amy and I both felt we could trust you to look out for our interest. The level of service you provided was outstanding, from taking the trash out, helping the buyer with inspecting the irrigation system, dealing with our tenants, always being there if we needed to ask a question, providing constant updates on the market and always keeping us informed on the sale of our house. I think your next venture should be training other realtors, because both of you have mastered the art of providing excellent service. I will be sure to recommend the Frank and Karen team to anybody looking for a trust worthy, knowledgeable and top performing realtor. It was a pleasure working with both of you.”
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/matt-amy-carver/

Ernie & Carol G.

“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When...
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:18:50+00:00
“Karen & Frank Baker are the best. They are very knowledgeable with the area & showed us many homes. When we made up our minds which one we wanted, they got us the best deal on it. We were very satisfided with them. After the purchased was made & we moved in, they were still there to answer any questions or problems that we might of had. Like I said, they are the BEST.”
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/ernie-carol-g/

Dave & Rose

“Thanks again for all the time you spent with us, As overwhelming as it was, you two made it fun”
Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty
2015-03-16T20:19:23+00:00
“Thanks again for all the time you spent with us, As overwhelming as it was, you two made it fun”
https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/testimonials/dave-rose/
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  • Understanding Down Payment Gifts and Where they Come From
  • Easy Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal and Beat the Competition
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Recent Posts

  • 3 Ways to Research Your New Neighborhood
  • Common Hiccups When Building a New Construction Home
  • Understanding Down Payment Gifts and Where they Come From
  • Easy Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal and Beat the Competition
  • The Swamp Park, Fun for the Whole Family!

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