Like many seaside locations, the Outer Banks have a mystique of their own that attracts thousands of visitors each year. For those lucky enough to be looking for a house or condo here, there are a few things to keep in mind. Depending on where you choose to live, the tides may play a bigger role in your life than you ever imagined! For all questions, major or minor, about real estate for sale on the Outer Banks, the best thing is to talk to a realtor who knows the area.
The mystique of the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands fronting the North Carolina coast. Home to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, they’re also associated with all kinds of legends: shipwrecks, the Wright brothers and the first flight of the Kitty Hawk, the vanishing Roanoke colony, the wild horses, lighthouses, and much more.
Whether you’re buying a vacation home, or a condo to live in year-round, or a rental property, the best way to begin is by talking to a local real estate agent, who knows the area, its history and likely future developments that will affect real estate prices.
How local knowledge can help
When you’re buying a house, local knowledge can tell you the things you can’t find out anywhere else. This could be something as arcane and crucial as the tide charts. Depending on where you end up buying a house, you might be driving a couple of miles on the beach to get to the nearest grocery store. Tide charts can help you figure out when the beach is not actually underwater.
Outer Banks realtors can also provide all kinds of helpful tips about local schools, shopping and other destinations. They are also best placed to put you in touch with contractors and other local businesses that will help you to set up your household and keep it going.
Finding beach property for sale
If you’re ready to invest in a home, for vacations, as a rental property or just because you’ve always wanted to live in a beachfront condo, it’s time to start looking at the real estate for sale listings. Send out a few emails, make a few calls, even set up a few appointments. That will give you an idea of what’s out there and help establish a baseline.
Finding a realtor whose opinion you trust in an important step. As many as 98% of all home buyers consider them to be a reliable source of information. Ask your family, friends and colleagues for referrals: four out of ten home buyers found their real estate agent though word of mouth.
Even though there are plenty of listings of real estate for sale on the Outer Banks, finding the place that’s right for you can take a little time and effort. Once you’ve settled in your beach condo with nothing outside your door but sand and surf, you’ll agree that it’s worthwhile.