Considering Real Estate in or near the Outer Banks?

If you love the water and the outdoors, then living or owning property in or near the Outer Banks is an incredible experience.  The temperate climate and multitude of things to do attracts people of all ages.  Surfing, golfing, fishing, parasailing, hang-gliding or simply walking along the Outer Banks miles of coastline is just a start.  And while vacationers flock to the beaches in the summer months, making outer banks real estate an excellent investment, full-time residents and second home owners enjoy the quiet of the off-season, when the beaches are open and seating at your favorite restaurant is more readily available.

How to start your Real Estate Search

Your intended use of the property should be the key driver in your search, and using the advanced search feature will enable you to better streamline your search to find your ideal property.  Coastalouterbanks.com has a direct feed from the Outer Banks MLS so no need to look elsewhere.

In terms of locations, the primary beaches of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk all have "vacation" area components as well as communities geared towards year-round living.  Most full-time residents live on the "west" side (sound side), Roanoke Island or Currituck mainland while vacation rental properties are normally found on the oceanside, oceanfront, or "between the highways".  The northern beaches of Corolla and Duck lean more towards vacationers and second homes, but you can find primary residences in these communities as well.  Another option is the Currituck mainland. Away from vacationers you are closer to amenities such as healthcare the closer you are to the NC/VA state line. 

If you're looking for an Outer Banks investment property, spring is an ideal time to buy.  You'll receive all the rental income for the season and if you're lucky, be able to cover a chunk of your mortgage payments for the rest of the year.  Late fall and winter are a great time to shop, as accessing the properties is easier than trying to work around vacationers.  Of course summer is always a challenge when shopping for second homes and vacation rentals, and you should expect to see properties only on "turnover" day.