If you're interested in purchasing a Corolla oceanside home for sale under $360,000, then 762 Lakeshore Court may just be the perfect fit.  Located in the Ocean Sands subdivision of Corolla, NC, this Outer Banks home provides both ocean and golf course views.  Enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise over the ocean, and the late afternoon is a perfect time to indulge in an adult beverage while watching the sunset over the golf course and sound.  Ocean Sands real estate for sale is a favorite among owners and renters alike, as the beaches here are wide and wonderful, and just a few minutes walk from the property. 

Spacious sun decks provide ample room for you and the family to enjoy the ocean breeze, and when you're ready for a dip, splash into the large 10 x 26 outdoor saltwater fiberglass pool.  Because this pool is in the sun all day, you can enjoy it more weeks out of the year than many others, which are shaded. When you've worked up a hearty appetite, enjoy your meal with the family in the screened porch.

There's plenty of seating available in the living room, complete with a gas fireplace for cold nights and a large flat screen TV to catch up on your favorite shows.  The whole family can eat together in the dining area, and the kitchen boasts granite countertops, amd plenty of cabinets.

The owners have meticulously maintained this Outer Banks home for sale, with too many upgrades to list here; but a partial list includes a new roof, 2 new heat pumps, and granite kitchen counters in 2013, new water heater and dryer in 2012, crows nest addition in 2010, and new carpet in 2011.  Please call Holleay Parcker toll-free today at 877.207.1617 for a complete list of improvements and more information on this Corolla oceanside home for sale located at 762 Lakeshore Court.  You'll be glad you did!       

Interested in an Outer Banks lot for sale?  Then look no further, as this parcel of Corolla real estate is among the finest lots for sale in Ocean Sands.  Located in the newest section of Ocean Sands, called Ocean Lakes, this lot is surrounded by Obx new construction homes that have been built recently.  The curb appeal of these Corolla homes is off the charts, which is why this subdivision has become a favorite among Outer Banks investors and second home owners alike.

Ocean Lakes offers outdoor tennis courts and a large outdoor community pool, both of which are an easy walk from the lot.  The beach is just a stone's throw away as well, since this lot sits just a few lots off the oceanfront.  And the rear of this Corolla lot for sale backs up to common space for added privacy, as well as a beach access for the community, which means that the ocean views here are protected.

Corolla real estate enjoys some of the widest and most beautiful beaches on the Outer Banks, and the Ocean Lakes beaches are certainly no exception.  If you're looking for an Outer Banks lot for sale as an investment, or to build out on over the winter, then you'll want to consider this Ocean Sands lot.  Priced at only $189,900, it's sure to sell quickly, so call Holleay Parcker today at 252.207.1617 for more information. 

Holleay Parcker Awarded 2014 Best of Trulia Top Agent Award

On January 29, 2015 I received the 2014 Best of Trulia TOP AGENT Award. Trulia began recognizing the most successful agents using Trulia last year. This recognition will now become an annual event. 

The factors Trulia used in its calculations were a combination of the number of reviews from past clients; the highest rankings those past clients gave their agents; and the number of buyer and seller side transactions that were completed in 2014 and added to the agent’s profile.

Less than 2% of all agents using Trulia across the nation qualified for this award.

I am honored to be recognized with the 2014 Best of Trulia Top Agent Award.

But real estate is much more than awards and recognition.  My career is really about helping people achieve their Outer Banks real estate dreams.  My job is to assist buyers and sellers with moving forward in their lives – sometimes the next step forward is purchasing an Outer Banks home, and sometimes the next step is to sell the home they have treasured for many years.

Whether beginning a dream or ending one, it is my privilege to meet so many wonderful clients and to walk beside them as they complete their transaction.  At the end of the day, the positive reviews I receive mean far more to me than any award.

So while I appreciate being honored by Trulia, my greatest accomplishments are the reviews from my satisfied clients, because I am fortunate to have the BEST. CLIENTS.  EVER.    

Holleay  

Why Now is an Excellent Time to Buy Outer Banks Real Estate

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” The opposite of that statement is also true, as we have all seen since 2005 with falling market values. But many buyers and sellers don’t realize that whether the market is rising or falling, the tide isn’t lifting or lowering all boats equally.  And this provides you with an excellent opportunity, if you're considering purchasing Outer Banks real estate.

Near the market peak in late 2005 and early 2006, buyers of Outer Banks investment properties found themselves pushed further and further from the ocean, due to high market values. Many buyers were purchasing homes nearly a quarter mile from the beach, because these were the only homes that were within their budget.  

With the fall in values that our market has experienced during the last 8 years, buyers’ purchasing power has significantly increased. Many are finding that homes that are just a few lots off the ocean are now within their reach.

Property values have fallen most for Outer Banks oceanfront homes. (Think ‘the bigger they are, the harder they fall’) and then semi-oceanfront, two off the ocean, and so on. When the market begins to appreciate once more, the ‘tide’ of rising market values will raise oceanfront homes and those closest to the ocean higher than those that sit many lots away from the beach.

In other words, there hasn’t been a better opportunity for buyers to purchase this close to the ocean in many, many years. By purchasing now, you are poised for your Obx investment property or second home to enjoy the rising tide of price appreciation in the future. 

In the meantime, there is an additional benefit for you to enjoy: higher rental income. Outer Banks homes that sit closest to the ocean not only rent for more money, due to their proximity to the beach; they also rent first.  So, your income stream begins sooner in the year than for those property owners whose homes sit many lots further back. 

And so the conversation today about rising and falling tides is just another way of illustrating that lot location is the single most critical factor in your purchase.

If you are interested in buying Outer Banks real estate, I’m here to help.  Feel free to call me at 252.207.1617 with questions on any listing you see that interests you.

Holleay Parcker, REALTOR® has fourteen years of full-time experience assisting buyers and sellers, and in this challenging market, can assist you in maximizing the return from your purchase or sale.  Believing that education is the pathway to excellence, Holleay has earned the coveted Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation, is a MILLION DOLLAR GUILD Member, is a member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, and holds the Resort and Recreation Specialist and Accredited Buyer’s Representatives designations, along with the e-PRO certification.  Holleay was recently awarded the 2014 BEST OF TRULIA TOP AGENT AWARD.

© 2015 OuterBanksRealEstateMLS.com

Outer Banks New Construction Homes Offer Many Advantages

If you’re in the market to buy at the beach, then you should consider the many advantages of building an Outer Banks new construction home, because new homes provide a variety of advantages over existing ones.

• Lot values have fallen more than existing home values have. Why? An existing home has the potential to generate income, either by being rented weekly or year round. A lot has no income potential. And this rental income helps to prop up values on existing Outer Banks homes for sale. So it may prove to be less expensive to build new than to buy an existing home.

• New construction means that ALL components are new; thus maintenance costs are minimal for many years. I built my home in 2003 and 12 years later, I’ve replaced two items and made one repair. Those 3 items cost less than $2,000 to replace/repair. (Now, that’s what I call cheap living!) Buying an older home means that many of the major components have some age on them, and will likely need replacement sooner rather than later. Major components (think roof, hvac, windows, and doors) are expensive.

• If you are considering buying a beach house, selling is likely the furthest thing from your mind. But one day, you will want to sell your home. If you buy a 20 year old home today, and sell it 10 years from now, your home will be 30 years old at that point. However, if you build a new construction home now, then it will be just 10 years old a decade from now. Newer homes hold their value better than older homes do because the buyer for your home in the future will be conscious (just as you are now) that older homes will need major components replaced soon, so they will want to discount the price they offer you for that fact.

• Outer Banks new construction homes are built to the highest construction standards. Our codes now match Miami-Dade codes, which means that new homes are able to withstand the elements better than ever before. Thus, new construction homes should need fewer repairs from high wind events than homes that were built prior to the newer, more stringent building codes. If you live one or more states away, (as so many of my clients do) this may give you some comfort during storm season.

• If you intend to weekly rent your home, you should be aware that most renters prefer new homes to older ones. Simply put, new homes rent better, and often for more money, which increases your home’s income potential. ​

• This final advantage is a little hard to quantify, but here goes: Building a new home is a real shot in the arm to the local economy. It’s been said that more than 70 businesses and services benefit from the construction of a single house; in these uncertain times when the economy is trying to gain some traction, the more shots in the arm, the faster the economy will recover. You can be proud knowing that you have done all you can to stimulate the recovery.    

All that being said, there are some challenges to consider before building an Outer Banks new construction home: 

• Interest rates cannot be locked in until the house is nearly complete. That means that interest rates could rise during the six months or so that it takes the builder to complete your home. Mortgage rates are still incredibly low, so if you are considering building a new home, now is an excellent time to begin your project.

• Many folks are a bit squeamish at the idea of trying to build a house from one or more states away, in an area where they know very few locals. That initial squeamishness is not unfounded.  After all, it will prove impossible, or nearly so, for you to come down as often as you would like to check on the progress your builder is making. That’s why it is so critical to find the right Outer Banks builder.    

• Even with the right builder, there is still plenty of work for you to do. You have to make all of the selections for your home, from the roof color to exterior paint colors, interior paint colors, carpeting, wood &/or tile floors, cabinetry, counter tops, as well as electrical and plumbing fixtures. I can assist you in with the selection of a builder who will listen to your needs and provide you with a high quality home..  

As far as squeamishness goes, there is plenty of time in the process before committing to the project for you to do your due diligence – from calling all of the builder’s references, to checking his status with the local Outer Banks Home builders Association, to walking through several homes he has completed. As your confidence in his ability to build a high quality home grows, your trepidation will be replaced with excitement.  

Making all of your selections does take some time and effort. Begin looking at magazines for ideas you like, and for color selections you prefer. Make a visit to your local plumbing and electrical stores, and start thinking about faucets and lighting fixtures. Familiarize yourself with the types of wood flooring that are available. Having an idea of what you want will make the selection process less stressful.

I’ve assisted many clients throughout the process with their Outer Banks new construction home, and I’m happy to assist you too.  Please feel free to call me with any questions you have.  I’m here to help.

For more tips on selling Outer Banks real estate, contact Holleay Parcker toll-free at 877.207.1617 or on her cell at 252.207.1617.

Holleay has fourteen years of full-time experience assisting buyers and sellers, and in this challenging market, can assist you in maximizing the return from your sale.  Believing that education is the pathway to excellence, Holleay has earned the coveted Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, is a Million Dollar Guild member, is a member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, and holds the Resort and Recreation Specialist, Accredited Buyer’s Respresentative, and e-PRO designations.  In addition, Holleay was recently awarded the 2014 BEST OF TRULIA TOP AGENT AWARD.        

© 2015 OuterBanksRealEstateMLS.com

Increasing the Curb Appeal of Your Outer Banks Home

If you knew that a little elbow grease and a few dollars could make a big difference in the amount of money a buyer offered on your Outer Banks home for sale, would you be willing to roll up your sleeves and get the work done?

Loads of curb appeal can absolutely increase your net at closing, so go change into your work clothes and let’s get started maximizing the value of your home to potential buyers.

• Think ‘neat’.  When buyers approach your Obx home, the first thing they notice is the yard. The old saying is true that ‘You only have one chance to make a good first impression’.  While you don’t have to have a professionally landscaped yard to attract a buyer interested in purchasing Outer Banks real estate, your landscaping should be trimmed and neat.  Edge the grass away from the driveway and walkway, then cut the grass.  Prune bushes that are misshapen, removing any dead material.  Prune any errant limbs that are too close to the house, or that block the view of the house from the street.  Mulch the flower beds.  (Fresh mulch is not only visually appealing, it smells good too.)  Plant some mums for color here and there, as they are deer resistant, and many will come back next spring.  Finally, plant something pretty in a container by the front door - just don’t forget to water it!

​

• Think ‘clean’.  Buyers see value in an Outer Banks home that has been well maintained, so be sure that the exterior of your home is clean.  Pressure wash the house, then clean the outside of the windows to remove the cleaning solution residue.  The windows will sparkle from the street.  Pressure wash the decks and bring the wood back to looking new.  Check for any paint touch ups that need to be done on the siding and trim, and while you have your paint clothes on, go ahead and put a coat on the front door.  Imagine the anticipation buyers will feel at your front entry – they will be excited to see the inside of a home that has been so well cared for on the outside.

​​

• Think ‘freshen’.  If the hardware on your front door is dirty, clean it.  If it’s rusted out, replace it.  And be sure to WD 40 the hinges on the front door so that the buyer’s entrance isn't announced with a squeak!  Notice the condition of the house numbers by the door.  If they are worn, replace them with new ones.  If you have a mailbox out front, check to make sure it is in good shape and replace if needed.  Put worn light fixtures out of their misery. Be sure to check the light bulbs, because buyers will cut every light on to see if it works!  Freshen outdoor furniture with a good cleaning, and new cushions as needed.

​​

Most Outer Banks sellers understand that buyers looking to purchase a home want real value for their money, and a well maintained home with tons of curb appeal will attract more potential buyers than a home that has been ignored by its owners. 

For more tips on selling Outer Banks real estate, contact Holleay Parcker, your Obx expert, toll-free at 877.207.1617 or on her cell at 252.207.1617.

Holleay has fourteen years of full-time experience assisting buyers and sellers, and in this challenging market, can assist you in maximizing the return from your sale.  Believing that education is the pathway to excellence, Holleay has earned the coveted Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, is a Million Dollar Guild member, is a member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, and holds the Resort and Recreation Specialist, Accredited Buyer’s Respresentative, and e-PRO designations.  In addition, Holleay was recently awarded the 2014 BEST OF TRULIA TOP AGENT AWARD.        

Location, Location, Location.  When most people think about real estate, this is one of the first statements that come to mind.  The fact that it is repeated three times indicates the importance of considering location.  As you will see below, when purchasing Outer Banks real estate, location isn’t just important; location really is everything.  

Purchasing a second home or investment property on the Outer Banks is a significant financial investment; typically, buyers spend more on their beach house than they did on their primary home.  So it’s important to get it right.  Here are some location tips for you to consider when selecting your home or lot. 

If you are purchasing an Outer Banks investment property to maximize cashflow, then you should look at the homes that you’re considering through the eyes of a renter. Why? Doing so will enable you to purchase a home that will rent well, because it’s in a location that renters deem desirable. 

• Renters care about the distance to the beach and how long it will take them to get there.  Outer Banks homes located on corner lots that have a direct beach access at the end of the street are more desirable to renters than homes located eight or nine lots from the corner. 

• Beach accesses that have parking available, and accesses that have a lifeguard on duty during the season, are more desirable to renters than accesses that don’t have these options. ​

• A nice, wide beach to enjoy will trump a beach that needs to be nourished in the eyes of a renter every time.   Be aware of the condition of the beach in the area where you’re considering purchasing.

• If you’re considering Outer Banks oceanfront homes for sale, then you will need to pay particular attention to the condition of the dune.  Wide, high, densely vegetated dunes will provide much protection from storm surge during hurricanes; while small, poorly vegetated dunes will not. I educate my buyers thoroughly on the importance of dune conditions before they purchase an oceanfront home here.

• Renters prefer an ocean or sound view.  After all, most of our vacationers are coming from one or more states away, mostly from inland locations.  If the location of the home that you’re considering provides an ocean or sound view (or both), it will tend to rent better than those homes that have little or no view. 

• Renters want easy access to shopping, fine dining, and the local attractions.  My buyers and I always look for homes that are in close proximity to these amenities.

• Location is also important as it relates to ease of getting around town during the tourist season.  Properties that are located near a traffic light are highly desirable, as during the season, it’s nearly impossible to make a left hand turn against traffic if you’re stuck at an intersection without one.

• Many renters enjoy having lots of neighborhood amenities at their fingertips, including fitness centers, nature trails, community tennis courts and swimming pools.  (These amenities always come at a cost, however, in the form of HOA dues, which will vary from one subdivision to another).  

So, now that you’ve looked at your list of Outer Banks homes for sale through the eyes of a renter, it’s time to switch gears.  Now let’s look through the eyes of an owner. Why is this important? Because simply put, renters have no financial investment in the property, while its location can have a significant financial impact on its owners.

There is a great deal happening with regards to flood insurance at present.  (You may have heard about this by now.)  New flood maps will be released early in 2015, and the new maps should prove beneficial to many property owners.  While an in depth discussion of flood insurance is beyond the scope of this blog post, please contact me with any flood insurance questions you may have.  I have an excellent Outer Banks insurance agent I can refer you to, who will be happy to address your questions.  My toll-free number is 877.207.1617 and my cell is 252.207.1617. 

Suffice it to say that Obx homes that are located in the 'x' flood zone (the ‘x’ flood zone is outside the 100 year flood plain; if you have a mortgage on the property, and it is located inside the ‘x’ flood zone, your lender will NOT require you to carry flood insurance) are becoming very popular with buyers. 

But there is more to this discussion than merely which flood zone the property is located in, because storm water runoff is a real concern for owners of Outer Banks real estate. 

So let’s look at the property that you’re considering with an eye for how the house is actually situated on the lot.

• Ideally, the house should be at the highest point on the lot, and the lot should be graded away from the house on all four sides.  The driveway should either be level with, or lower than the house, and sloped away from the house, not towards it.  This will ensure proper drainage during heavy rainfall.

Now let’s head out to the street, and look in both directions.

• Ideally, the house should be located on a high point in the street, and not at the lowest point, because storm water will always run towards the lowest areas.

• Standing at the street, let’s take a look back at the house.  The house should be higher than the street.  If it is not, storm water will run towards the house.

• For the same reason, the house should either be level with the neighbors on either side and to the rear, or higher than the neighbors.  If it is lower than surrounding homes, then again, runoff water will always find the lowest area.  

Most buyers believe that high wind is our biggest concern here on the Outer Banks…but the truth is that water does far more damage than wind. Our construction codes are stringent, and Outer Banks new construction homes are being built today to very high wind standards. But if the Obx home you’re considering is located on a low lying lot, or if it is situated where water is draining towards the house, rather than away from it, that is something to wary of.

When I show property to my buyer clients, these are the kinds of things I’m looking for regarding the location of the property, and I make my buyers aware of these issues as well. 

It is attention to details such as these that make the difference between buying an Outer Banks home you will be thrilled with for many years, as opposed to merely inheriting another person’s drainage problems. 

Please be sure to check out the What Clients Are Saying section.  I have dozens upon dozens of positive reviews from clients whom I have provided excellent service to.  I promise to provide you with that same level of careful and thorough service as well.

For more tips on buying Outer Banks real estate, call your local expert Holleay Parcker toll-free at 877.207.1617.

Holleay Parcker has fourteen years of full time experience assisting Outer Banks home buyers and sellers, and in this challenging market, can assist you in maximizing the return from your purchase or sale.  Believing that education is the pathway to excellence, Holleay has earned the coveted Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist designation, is a Million Dollar Guild member, and holds the Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Resort and Recreation Specialist designations, along with the e-PRO certification.      

 © OuterBanksRealEstateMLS.com 2015

I'm often asked if this is a good time to buy a home. Some clients are concerned that home prices may fall down the road, while others are convinced that home prices will go up.

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability. Even though interest rates have fluctuated, they are still near historic lows. Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, a one point rise in interest rates could cost tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life. It's important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial "comfort zone." To that end, it may be more important to lock in today's relatively low interest rates while they are still available.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today's market.