Amenities that Matter Most in a Beach House: Emerald Isle, NC House for Sale

When you are in the market to purchase or sell property on the Crystal Coast, one question that comes up is: How Appealing the the Property I Want to Buy/Sell? In other words, What Amenities Matter Most in a Beach House. Those very similar questions can have multiple answers depending on where along the Crystal Coast or the Outer Banks the home is located. I'll focus my answer on Emerald Isle, NC, the largest community on Bogue Banks, the southern most barrier island comprising the NC Outer Banks.

Easy beach access. As Emerald Isle is situated on an island, all homeowners are within a few minutes of either the Atlantic Ocean or Bogue Sound. However, direct, private beach access trumps all other amenities. However, you don’t have to own an oceanfront home to be competitive in the real estate market. Being oceanside with a safe and fast public beach access, especially one you can walk to is a very marketable and appealing amenity. IF the home is located soundside, more than likely the easiest beach access will require a golf car. Is the house located in a section of town where a golf car can get you to the beach with a place to park that golf car? Getting answers to that and other EI specific questions is where I come in.

Inviting Outdoor Space You live or want to live in Emerald Isle for a reason and that reason usually revolves around the amazing weather we experience year 'round. The weather invites you outside so the house in question should invite you outside, as well. Having a beach house with a deck, patio, yard, or other outdoor space that offers conveniences such as a grill, fire pit, outdoor shower, comfortable seating, and outdoor dining options are some of the most popular beach house amenities that improve the marketability of a home.

Access to Other Water Options The ocean is not always user friendly, even in Emerald Isle, NC. And some people simply do not like the ocean to swim in. So, it is valuable for a home to have access to other water options. High on the list is a private swimming pool. In fact, after direct beach access, having a swimming pool on the property is the best marketing feature of a coastal home. Other water options would include boat docks, fishing docks—as well as kayak, canoe and padddleboard access.

A Functional Kitchen Living at the coast here in Emerald Isle, NC will inspire even the most latent chef. So, an updated, functional also adds value to a home here on the Crystal Coast. Everyone is on island time so you don't need a kitchen only Martha Stewart would love. Granite countertops are nice as are updated appliances. If you love cooking, you will want a gas stove. Remember, that on the island the only gas is propane. Bright cabinets add a beachy feel to any kitchen. And, if the kitchen has a view of the water, the home and the home owner have hit a home run!

Beach Extras Aside from the "big deal" amenities listed above, other amenities to consider include how convenient is the property to shopping and to restaurants? If you like to cycle, how close is the Emerald Isle Bike Path? How convenient is the outstanding Emerald Isle Recreation Center/Gym open only to residents of Emerald Isle?

When you get ready to buy or sell a home here in Emerald Isle or anywhere along the Crystal Coast, visit my website, www.EIHomesforSale.com first, and request my free Guide to Living Where You Vacation. Or, text your email to: 919-308-2292.