May OBX Update

Let the May flowers bloom! 
We are gearing up for a super busy vacation season so far.  Keep in mind most of the Outer Banks is short-staffed and one of the big culprits is actually the housing crisis.  There is a huge lack of affordable houses available for year-round residents and that is creating a big crunch for the job market.  So if you’re visiting this year, be mindful everyone will be doing the best they can with the staff they have.

We love having you here!  

I’ve got 3 updates to share this month:

Mid-Currituck Bridge –  Well, no big surprise.  More delays.  Click HERE to read the article.
Summertime Selling? – While most people don’t think of selling mid-vacation season, there are actually some real advantages to it.  If you want to take advantage of the current market activity, there’s no reason to wait.  See the 5 reasons here.
Busy Vacation Season – I have some unofficial reports that off-season (shoulder week) bookings are up 68% for the Outer Banks.  Of course in season is fully booked across the board.  There was a very funny meme out recently that I thought worth sharing:
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5 Reasons To List Your Home in the Summer

Although it sounds reasonable to think with all the guests coming, it would be better to just sell the home in the fall or spring, take a look at these 5 reasons you could be missing out by waiting.

  1. Inventory has been our biggest challenge in terms of pricing. June, July, and August are historically the time of year when our inventory is the lowest.  Why not take advantage of that incredible opportunity?  Lower inventory could mean higher prices.
  2. The Outer Banks will have over 3 million visitors each year. Obviously, the majority of those folks visit during the summer months.  We cannot get that kind of exposure any other time of year!
  3. The home is fully open and operational. Buyers will have inspections done before closing.  When the house is winterized during the fall/winter there are extra costs to open the house back up for those inspections.  Right now, everything is up and running and easy to inspect and ensure to the buyer the home is in good condition.
  4. It’s a beach house! When does the beach look the best?  Summertime of course.  Your beach house will show the best with sun shining, deck chairs out, pool open, hot tub running!  Buyers get excited about these things and it helps to sell your home.
  5. Buyers this time of year are serious about buying! If a potential buyer is going to take time out of their much-anticipated vacation to look at your home, it means they are serious about buying.  They’re here with all decision-makers too.

2015 Mid Year Outer Banks Market Report

We now have 6 months worth of data in and the results are pretty much what we expected for the real estate market performance.  Here are the bullet points:

  • Up in NUMBER of sales by 9%
  • Down in average sale PRICE by 8%
  • Numerous homes in each market are selling in less than 100 days
  • Of the homes selling quickly, it’s just a few % points of asking price
  • Distress inventory is less than 5%
  • Active inventory on the OBX remains over 3,000 listings
  • 10% of active inventory is under contract, which means 90% is NOT

Here’s a quick breakdown by marketplace:

NOTE:  The days reported INCLUDES the time it took to close the transaction, which is generally 35 to 50 days.

Ilona Matteson's July 2015 Outer Banks Real Estate Market

The good news is, if you price it right, it will sell!  Buyers are looking and ready for the best values and aren’t afraid to take action.

If you’d like more information about buying or selling on the Outer Banks, please contact me right away!

Contact Me Today!

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New Listing on the Beach in Kitty Hawk!!

OBARMLS80558OGreat opportunity to own a piece of Kitty Hawk history! Originally built by Beach Realty & Construction. This home has been well maintained and has a solid rental history. Enjoy the privacy of the two vacant lots to the north (they are unbuildable). Listen to the waves crash from any of the three bedrooms, or upstairs loft. Watch the dolphins from your deck or just have coffee with the sunrise. You can’t go wrong with and Oceanfront home at this price that is fully insured!


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This Ocean Sands Beach Home is a Straight Shot to the Beach!

741 Sea Horse Court, Corolla, NCStraight shot down to the beach!

Location, location, location! Enjoy a straight shot down to the beach from this fantastic Ocean Sands beach home. With 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, ample decking, large living area, screened porch, awesome ocean views, and excellent condition this home is a real gem.

Guests love this place as evidenced by many returning year after year.