Category: Real Estate

Just as there are cycles in life and in nature, there are cyclical patterns in home ownership on Hatteras Island. The sequence usually begins with families and individuals renting homes for their vacations. After returning for several years, conversations begin about buying a home of their own, and ultimately, a decision is made to make their dreams a reality. As the years pass, lasting memories are created, the children grow up and start lives of their own, and a realization emerges that the home has fulfilled the original purpose for which it was purchased. Thoughts then turn toward selling the property.

When the time comes to sell your home, here’s a checklist of what you will need and should expect from your real estate agent:

Hatteras Island and the vacation rental industry offer unique challenges and opportunities in selling a home, and you will need an agent who knows the ins and outs of selling a home here. At Outer Beaches Realty, our licensed brokers have a combined experience of more than 130 years in real estate, most of which has been in this market.

Your sales agent should provide information about short-term and long-term trends in the real estate market, as well as a well-researched probable sale price analysis of your property. During this process, your home is evaluated in relation to similar homes that have recently been sold, those that are under contract to be sold, and those that are currently for sale. This results in a recommendation for a competitive asking price. You are always in control of the pricing decision.

Once you decide upon the price at which your property will be listed for sale, the necessary administrative forms are completed, and the marketing of the home begins. In today’s online world, national statistics show that about 90 percent of prospective buyers start their property searches on the internet. Therefore, online marketing is a focal point of promotional efforts. In addition, your home should be featured in print advertising. Efforts are directed toward capturing as many potential buyers as possible. With Outer Beaches Realty, homes for sale are not only put in front of the general public, they are exposed to over 900 members of the Outer Banks Association of Realtors, rental guests, and other owners in proximity to the property being sold. 

As marketing efforts create inquiries, produce showings, generate offers, and ultimately result in contracts, your agent should assist you at every step of the way. With an Outer Beaches agent, we also provide sellers with help with contract negotiations, an explanation of the activities that take place between contract and closing, and guidance concerning the transfer of utilities. 

For more helpful resources on selling or buying real estate on Hatteras Island, reach out to the Outer Beaches Sales Team, any time.