Here are the Outer Banks MLS numbers for September. There were 92 residential properties sold and 36 land/lot deals. A total of 128 transactions for September. While not the busiest month on record, it was an increase of 18 transactions over July's 110. Also, it was an increase of 1 transaction since August. It does appear things are slowly picking up on the Outer Banks.

September 2008 Outer Banks MLS Statistics:

Residential: 92

Land: 36

Commercial: 0

Total: 128

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One of the best ways to get exactly what you want is to buy a vacant lot in the Outer Banks and then build on it.  For many, buying a vacant lot and having a home built allows them to build the home of their dreams.  When starting with a bare lot, you are able to plan exactly how you want everything.

For many, having the ability to purchase and build exactly what they desire makes the process of selecting and buying a lot, then working to have a home built worth the extra time.  The Outer Banks is fortunate to be home to many outstanding builders.  A good way to go about finding a builder would be to check the Outer Banks Home Builder's Association website.

When determining the price you are going to spend on a vacant lot, water views are definitely going to…

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The number one reason to buy oceanfront real estate anywhere is location. It is not possible to have a more desirable location than oceanfront real estate. Its status as the most desired location also makes it the most expensive.

Currently, oceanfront lots in the Outer Banks are ranging from $1,700,000 in Whalehead to around $500,000 in Swan Beach (4wd area). The price on an oceanfront lot is also affected by its location, as you can see from the wide range of prices for oceanfront lots. Location for an oceanfront lot is affected by the community or subdivision it is in.

Highly sought after communities with premier amenities will draw more for their homes and the subsequent lots, than homes in a less desirable community. The effect the…

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     The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau released their August statistics. Gross occupancy receipts for the month of August were up 13.7%. That is a extremely positive sign for the health of tourism along the Outer Banks. Another strong sign was that restaurant receipts were up 2.8%. A double digit increase in tourism for a single month is staggering. Also, it was reported that gross occupancy receipts for the year were up 3.9%.

What does this mean for those looking to buy a house on the Outer Banks?

Now is a great time to start looking for a home. An increase in gross occupancy means that more visitors are coming to the Outer Banks. Again, that is a very positive sign for anyone looking to buy an Outer Banks home to use as a rental property. A…

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One of the traditional ways to measure the value of an Outer Banks investment home is capitalization rate. Capitalization rate is simply calculated and can be an invaluable in comparing similar or dissimilar properties. Capitalization rate or "Cap Rate" is found by taking the homes annual net income and dividing it by the cost. For another explanation, here is Wikipedia's definition. WikiPedia: Capitalization rate (or "cap rate") is a measure of the ratio between the net operating income produced by an asset (usually real estate) and its capital cost (the original price paid to buy the asset) or alternatively its current market value.

Using Capitalization rate to compare Outer Banks investment homes

Home #1

Annual gross rent:…

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Often when the stock market is stressed, it is a great time to buy a home. Is now any different? Perhaps the most dominant conversation on the lips of Americans today is the "economic crisis". The crisis specifically refers to the state of the stock market. With the stock market in such a dire way right now, perhaps it is again time to buy Outer Banks real estate.

Some reasons that Outer Banks Real Estate is looking more attractive

  • Interest rates have again crept low under 6%
  • The stock market is no place for your money...look at the proposed bailout
  • Outer Banks investment homes have gone down in price which means your capitalization rate is higher. (It is getting as high as 7 & 8%)
  • The Outer Banks is still under priced for…

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This year marks the 16th year of the Outer Banks Parade of Homes. The yearly event is put on by OBAR and OBHBA, the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS and Outer Banks Home Builder's Association. The event showcases some of the most innovative building designs and furnishings along the Outer Banks. 32 homes are represented in this year's showcase. They will be stretched along the Outer Banks from Corolla to southern Hatteras. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Parade of Homes. This information is from the OBHBA website.

Question: Where do we get tickets? Answer: Tickets are available in every home, where they will also be punched as you arrive. Or you may purchase them at the WalMart as you enter the beach from the north. One…

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