This home has an amazing location right on the corner of the walkway straight to the beach. The home sits back off the road with a volleyball court in front and private pool and hot tub in back. There are three entry ways – a covered door,one from the north side and also from the back of the home. Three of the four bedrooms on the lower level have access to a deck facing east. The top floor master has a private deck as well. Enjoy top floor deck space on the east and west side of the home. Newer carpet and furniture as well as meticulous maintenance by the owner make this a must see.
Enjoy Summer Fun in Corolla!
May 27, 2014 By Ilona
May Outer Banks Market Report
May 21, 2014 By Ilona
Overall, April was strong with monthly unit sales up 24% over March sales. However, overall unit sales are still down by 12% for 2014. To break it down even further, Residential unit sales are down by 7% and land sales are down by 30%.
Some good news is the number of listings placed in an Under Contract status continues to climb in 2014 yet are not at the levels we experienced in 2013 – down 26% from 2012.
Distressed unit property sales continue to crawl upwards for 2014 but they are down by 44% from 2013. Additionally, the average sales price for a potential short sale is down 13% but for bank owned properties the average sale price is up 25%. Distressed property sales have been on a steady decline. Still, distressed sales only make up 6% of all sales.
Foreclosures – For many months it has been reported that the number of Dare County foreclosures has been declining. In April, the number of foreclosures took a dramatic turn – up by 133% over March. It will be important to continue to monitor the foreclosure filings to determine if this is a trend.
In summary, the activity has increased, but is still slower than last year. Prices remain steady in most markets, reporting a slight increase for year to date so far. Does that mean prices are going up? Sadly, no…it’s nearly impossible with the amount of inventory on the market right now. It does mean, however, we are selling MORE high end homes which is fantastic news all around! It also means the majority of homes for sale under the $300,000 mark is greatly diminishing. That’s great news for those looking at signs of recovery.
Do you still need a LIVE real estate agent?
May 21, 2014 By Ilona
As the article I read recently proclaims, America’s favorite springtime sport does not involve a stadium, peanuts or cracker jacks. It is browsing the real-estate market.
Zillow is a great tool if you’re a novice to the market and just want to look around an area, city, or use a zip code to look at property. However from my recent experiences with several clients there is nothing that beats a good agent.
Buying a house is really hard work these days. Between flood insurance issues, the never ending and increasingly more difficult lending process, navigating the 11 plus addenda page legal contract, and the home inspection issues that arise…going this process without a proven professional will ONLY result in frustration and a deal not closed.
The fact is, YOU already have a full time job. So do I…dealing with all of these issues. It used to be that we would advertise, find a buyer, negotiate the terms and then turn it over to the attorney to close in 30 days. Boy those were the days! Not today. I’m finding that I’m more needed in the transaction at day 20 to 45 than even before negotiation.
Sadly most of the lending problems don’t show up until the last minute. The flood insurance issues don’t pop up until the appraisal is done and elevation certificate is issued or turned over. It’s not the same to buy a house today, as it was when I started my career nearly 18 years ago. We had a simple 2 page contract then!
Zillow is not in a position to assist with any of these issues. Only a full time, professional real estate agent with lots of experience is going to be able to successfully navigate the way from contract to closing. Finding the buyer is the easy part…getting the deal closed is where the blood, sweat and tears come in.
Financially Zillow looks even less attractive, at least to me. They are expected to lose 27 million this year. A loss that is double of last year. Wall Street loves the stock and it has done well for many but a company losing double of last year’s earnings is not for me.
In my humble opinion, you cannot beat the real life experience of a live real estate agent.
Classic Beach Home Right in the Heart of Duck!!
April 17, 2014 By Ilona
165 Teresa Court
Duck, NC 27949
MLS# 82580 $449,000
Right in the heart of Duck you’ll find this classic beach home. 5 minute or less walk to the ocean to the East and 10 minute walk to shopping right in the middle of town to the West. Enjoy all that Duck has to offer. This home has a covered entry on the ground level opening to a laundry room to drop all the beach gear. The mid level offers 3 good sized bedrooms and a full bathroom. The top level offers another large bedroom with deck access and a living room, dining area and kitchen. With the covered decks, screened porch and sun decks there’s plenty of outdoor space to enjoy hearing the waves crash from this home. The corner location makes the walk a straight shot down to the beach access.
Tenants love this Outer Banks home
and come back year after year.
There’s a basketball goal and a shuffleboard court.
Come make this beach home yours!
Contact me for more details!
New Price on this Charming Home in Corolla!!
April 15, 2014 By Ilona
New Price!!
738 Cormorant Court, Corolla
$375,000 MLS# 82055
Absolutely charming home tucked into the corner of a quiet cul de sac. Enjoy the surprisingly short walk to the beach through the convenient walkway. You’ll love the hot tub as well as the 11×23 private pool. This cottage is perfect for your family and friends. The pool deck provides ample space for sunning or entertaining. The kitchen is open and bright.
The deck space on two levels of the home is perfect for shade, sun or
just to enjoy a glass of wine after a day of relaxing at the beach.
Contact me for more details!
Where is a home close to the Beach Walkway in Corolla?
April 10, 2014 By Ilona
This home has an amazing location right on the corner of the walkway straight to the beach. The home sits back off the road with a volleyball court in front and private pool and hot tub in back. There are three entry ways – a covered door, one from the north side and also from the back of the home. Three of the four bedrooms on the lower level have access to a deck facing east. The top floor master has a private deck as well. Enjoy top floor deck space on the east and west side of the home. Newer carpet and furniture as well as meticulous maintenance by the owner make this a must see.
MLS# 82489 $529,000
Contact me for more details!
Beach Realty Statistics Worksheet – History and Current YTD
April 8, 2014 By Ilona
Statistics provided for years 2010 through 2013 represent the December year-end figures
Rev. – April 8, 2014
Basically this chart shows us that inventory is up, number of sales are down as is the median sales price. While it’s pretty early to get too concerned, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on. In most cycles, being at the “bottom of the market” doesn’t mean we shoot straight up right away. While I still think recovery is on the horizon, it’s not uncommon to have a blip or two along the way. Be prepared for a sluggish year. This is not to say we can’t get homes sold, we just have to be very proactive with our strategy.
Also be aware if you are buying this year, you may see a temporary dip in value. In long term ownership this is nothing to be concerned about.
10 Beautiful Acres with Endless Possibilities in Corolla!
April 3, 2014 By Ilona
10 glorious and unspoiled acres, spanning from oceanfront to sound in Swan Island Estates. Swan Island Estates is a wonderful community of large lots that lend themselves to premium homes. Enjoy the sunrise over the ocean and breathtaking sunsets over the sound. Create the ultimate vacation rental machine or a stunning 2nd home. With a lot this size, the possibilities are endless. Take advantage of this unbelievable pricing to invest in one of the most unique properties on the Outer Banks.
$575,00 1885 Ocean Pearl Road, Corolla MLS #: 79185
Contact Me About Any of These Properties!
Amazing Location Close to the Beach in Corolla!
March 20, 2014 By Ilona
This home has an amazing location right on the corner of the walkway straight to the beach. The home sits back off the road with a volleyball court in front and private pool and hot tub in back. There are three entry ways – a covered door,one from the north side and also from the back of the home. Three of the four bedrooms on the lower level have access to a deck facing east. The top floor master has a private deck as well. Enjoy top floor deck space on the east and west side of the home. Newer carpet and furniture as well as meticulous maintenance by the owner make this a must see.
MLS# 82489 $529,000
Easy Access to the Beach in Kill Devil Hills!!
March 18, 2014 By Ilona
This Kill Devil Hills home has been completely remodeled from top to bottom. The home is currently set up as a 4 bedroom with a lounge off of the master. Could be a 5th bedroom or office. Ground floor LARGE bedroom with den and full bath. Two bedrooms on the mid level, each with a full bathroom attached. One car garage, brand new pool deck, excellent landscaping and views forever. You’ll love the straight shot down Helga Street to the convenient beach access. This is a perfect location for a primary, second or rental home. The top floor is open and flows perfectly with several sitting areas fantastic for entertaining! Enjoy multiple level decking with stairs connecting from top to bottom. The generous pool deck is a perfect place to spend your summer days.
