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NARRATOR: You step out of your house and right onto the sand.
A morning swim, afternoon fishing,
sunset and cocktails by the surf --
This is beachfront living, and it's only for the rich...
or so you thought.
WOMAN: I love the view.
This is the view we were looking for.
MAN: It's perfect.
I can see many, many memories being made
just standing here and looking out at the water.
Today, we're beachfront bargain-hunting
the crystal coast of Emerald Isle, North Carolina.
This island is renowned for its surf,
family-friendly beaches, glorious sunrise, and sunsets.
Beachfront home prices are as steep as $6 million.
Oh, wow. Look at this, John.
We're searching for a rejuvenating oceanfront escape,
all for under $299,000,
and we want to be right on the water.
This is spectacular.
Now this what I wanted.
Get ready to beachfront bargain hunt.
-- Captions by VITAC --
Closed Captions provided by Scripps Networks, LLC.
Get set... Go!
Go!
WOMAN: Whoo! Let's go, Brandon!
I'm John.
And we have four children.
Twin boys, Brendon and Michael,
and our oldest daughters are Jessica and Christina.
We live in Cary, North Carolina,
and we're about a 2 1/2-hour drive from Emerald Isle.
I'm a family nurse practitioner.
I work in the healthcare field.
You guys want to go swimming?
You want to go in?
All right, go get your boogie boards.
We've been married for 27 years this year.
When we first met, I was a nursing student,
and we met in the hospital.
Jess, he looks like he has a diaper on.
No, that's his bathing suit.
That's his bathing suit.
Growing up, my parents always took us
on one or two vacations a year,
and it was always to the beach.
And John has never seen the ocean.
He had never been to the beach.
The first time I ever had a chance to see the ocean
was on our honeymoon in Hawaii in 1986.
Watch the wave. Here it comes, guys.
We decided to start looking now for a beachfront home
because time is going by.
The kids are growing up quickly,
and we want to get together more often
with our family, with our children.
There goes Milo.
Good job, Milo!
So, one of the things that we liked
about having a vacation home
is it's a chance just to get there in a few hours
and relax and take our time
and enjoy it and not lose a day of travel.
Stays on longer than I could.
Good ride, Milo!
Good job, baby!
Emerald Isle is a part of the Southern Outer Banks
and is a small barrier island in North Carolina.
We love Emerald Isle.
Up until about 45, 50 years ago,
it wasn't even accessible by cars.
We looked for months at all the different islands,
trying to find a perfect place for the family,
and the moment we drove up here and first saw the water,
we fell in love, and this is a place we had to be.
What a beautiful day.
It feels like we're millions of miles away
when we're only a short drive from home.
JOHN: It is real nice.
I mean, there's a lot of beautiful property down here.
Really is.
Hey, you know what? Here's an open house up here.
Why don't we go out and take a look?
Our budget is $299,000.
This looks like a nice quiet street.
We think it's a great time for bargain-hunting right now.
Even though there's not a lot of inventory,
there are some beautiful places
that are available directly on the ocean.
WOMAN: Welcome to the Pharaoh Cottage.
LAURA: We're driving around, looking at some available properties
and wondered if we could take a look.
Great, well, as you can see,
we're over 1,000 square feet,
and then we have a couple of spacious bedrooms
that you can look at.
Why don't you go ahead and take a look,
let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, wow. Spacious bedroom.
Yeah, lots of room.
Lots of wood, though.
The paneling -- it doesn't quite have that beach feel.
But the kids could definitely sleep in here.
There's tons of sleeping room.
Yeah, there is.
Let's go check out the next bedroom.
That's a good-size bedroom, too.
Yeah, lots of sleeping room, again, for the kids.
But really obstructed views with the high dunes.
Okay.
Oh, wow. Look at this, John.
This deck is huge.
Yeah, great open plan, lots of seating.
Definitely the family would be happy here.
You can see the sunrise from here and the sunset down there.
Yeah.
So, what do you think?
Well, we like the open space
and we love the view, but what's the price?
Well, the price is $450,000.
Okay.
Well, that's quite a bit
over the budget that we want to spend,
so we appreciate the time,
and we're gonna continue to look.
I think our biggest obstacle is meeting all of our criteria
and staying within that budget.
[ Seagulls squawking ]
We're about to meet with our real-estate agent,
and we really hope he can find us something that's amazing.
Okay, so what is it that you're looking for
in your perfect vacation home?
We'd like to be directly oceanfront.
And we have a big family with four children,
and we want something that'll be able
to comfortably accommodate us with a minimum of two bedrooms,
two bathrooms, a good-size kitchen
because the girls and I like to cook all the time.
And, you know, just something overlooking the water.
We've spent so many years traveling with the kids,
being in hotels
and the hassle factor of getting in airplanes.
We want some place that can be private for us,
that we can get to easily, and we love the beach.
And the most important thing to me
is it's got to be maintenance-free.
I just don't have the time to come down and cut the grass
and rake the leaves and trim the bushes,
so I want to be able to let this
be a great getaway for the family.
So what price point are we looking at?
Our budget is $299,000,
so we really want to stay under that.
Prices along the beachfront can run anywhere
from the mid-$200,000's all the way up to $6 million,
so we got our work cut out for us,
but I think we'll be able to come across some things
that might make you happy.
Okay. [ Laughs ]
Yeah, here it is. Here's our turn right here on the left.
There's Don's car.
Windward Dune is located just outside the Emerald Isle Area
in Indian Beach.
It's a high-rise.
It's basically built behind a large dune structure.
As you can see, we're walking up a dunescape here.
And so the name of Windward Dunes
for this condominium complex here.
I have a corner unit, two bedroom, two bath.
I guess the biggest question is, what's it cost?
It's right on point at $299,000.
Okay.
It's just under 1,200 square feet,
and I think that you'll find
that this is well worth the looking at.
Some of the features of the Windward Dune
are the nice common pool area and the communal grilling area.
Oh. This is pretty.
Nice and bright.
JOHN: Yeah, great open floor plan, huh?
Good-size kitchen, too.
Wow. Look at the cabinet space.
Look at the views from here.
Oh, it's so nice and bright and airy.
Let's see what else.
I like how the tile floor flows right into there.
Yeah. No maintenance. Nothing to take care of.
The couch looks comfy.
You know, I'll tell you,
I could see myself just sitting here
and looking at the water and just never wanting to leave.
Yeah, it's a gorgeous view.
Must be the master bedroom.
It's a good size.
Yeah. Nice open plan.
Yeah. But I don't know.
But you know what?
That's something we could change, right?
Nice en suite bathroom, as well, over here.
I like how this area is separate from the bathroom over here.
Yeah, I do, too.
Okay.
This bedroom's a little bit small.
I think, sleeping-wise, it might bring some challenges here.
Maybe a bunk bed and maybe a pull-out bed in here.
But it could be a little tight
trying to squeeze in four kids in here.
All right.
Oh, wow, look at this view, John.
It's amazing. It's gorgeous.
I can see many, many memories being made
just standing here and looking out at the water.
And one of the things I like
is that there's an opportunity for the kids to have fun here.
But the challenge is that we've always talked about
wanting to have privacy, as well.
You know, I can see a lot of people
sitting out here around the pool,
and I think that would always be a part of the vision.
But at $299,000, it's right at our price point
and we really don't have to do much.
It is, that's true.
DON: Hi, guys.
So what did you think of Windward Dune?
It fits the criteria well -- oceanfront, maintenance-free,
it's right on budget, which is really important.
One of the challenges, though --
I don't know if it will give us as much privacy
as we're looking for.
But we do like the amenity package,
and our kids would like that a lot,
so I think they would really enjoy the pool
and the different offerings here.
Great. I have a few more things to show you, so let's go.
All right. Come on.
Amazing.
Oh, my God, it's like we're right on the beach.
You can see for miles down the beach
both ways, unobstructed.
Let's go have a blast.
Having four children, it's like half of a baseball team.
It's a huge hurdle now to travel.
I mean, we need a van to get us there.
We always have to worry about getting two hotel rooms.
So we've had enough of that,
and now we just want a beachfront home
where we can go together or the kids could join us
when they want and we can have friends anytime we want.
[ All shouting, laughing ]
LAURA: We love Emerald Isle as a destination
because the beaches are nice and wide and long.
Hang on for the turn!
It's a quiet, family-oriented island,
and it's just a great place to come and unwind.
[ All cheering ]
I want to see as much as I can.
I really want to keep our options open,
so we pick that private property that's perfect for us.
I agree.
I'm showing John and Laura a property at Pier Pointe,
and it's located centrally on Emerald Isle,
right in the middle of the island.
So this is Pier Pointe.
I think this will meet a lot of your criteria.
It's a very open floor plan, two bedrooms, two bathrooms,
a large balcony overlooking the ocean.
And it's just steps away from where you want to be.
Great.
I like the individual buildings, too.
How's the price?
Price is a little over budget on this one, John -- $319,000.
But I think you'll find it may be well worth it.
Okay. Well, let's take a look and see.
Okay. Mm-hmm.
Oh, wow. This is nice.
JOHN: Really nice.
Feels like a home, not a condo, which I like.
Wow. This is a nice big open plan.
Nice kitchen.
I love the granite tops.
Yeah, I know, the surfaces that you wanted.
Yeah.
And the girls and I can make our pasta on this nice big island.
Yeah, it's great.
The family room opens up very nicely.
Lot of seating.
JOHN: Carry the hardwood floor throughout, too, which is nice.
That's, again, something that's no maintenance for us.
And it has a fireplace.
It does. Look at that. In the winter.
I'm sure it gets cold.
That'll keep us nice and warm
while we're watching the waves outside.
Yeah, that's a nice extra feature. I like that.
The space flows well
because it seems like everybody always tries
to gather in the kitchen.
And whether we have friends over on the weekend or family,
I can see everybody being able to fit around here
without feeling crowded.
Yeah, and I think we can really fit
a good amount of people here.
Well, let's take a look outside at these views.
[ Gasps ] Oh, my God, John, look at this view.
Wow. What a view, huh?
Amazing.
Oh, my God. It's like we're right on the beach.
Looks like a great place to sit down
and have a cup of coffee in the morning or just relax,
have some private breakfast or dinner.
I just may never leave here.
This is just wonderful.
Well, that's the goal -- to stay as often as we can.
Oh, yeah.
Hi.
When we were standing out on the deck,
I did notice the staircase, but it didn't really hit me
that people would be walking by until I saw them go by,
so that was a little bit of a disappointment,
a little bit of a concern
that maybe there would be too many people walking by.
LAURA: This must be one of the bedrooms,
and this is very pretty.
JOHN: It has a nice beach look.
I like the theme that's in here.
Yeah. This would be perfect for the kids.
Yeah, I can see them being real comfortable in here.
Yeah. At least two of them, anyway.
And this must be the hall bathroom.
This is nice.
This will work for the kids. It's a full bath.
Might want to change the color, but that's easy.
Quick paint job.
Yeah. Okay, great.
Oh, wow. This must be the master.
Yeah, this is nice.
But I don't know, John. I don't like the carpet in here.
But I like the space.
The space is great, and I would really feel --
I think we'd be very comfortable in here.
It's comfortable, yeah.
All right, let's go look at the master bath.
Oh, wow, look at this Jacuzzi.
Room for both of us.
Yeah, looks like a small pool, doesn't it?
Yeah.
But overall, the layout works well, doesn't it?
Yeah, I like the layout so far,
with the bedrooms off the hallway and everything.
So, John and Laura, how did you like Pier Pointe?
LAURA: Oh, I really love this place.
It really meets most of our expectations,
and I love how we're right on top of the water,
just a few steps out the back door, and...
It's beautiful, but it's a big decision,
so I think we'd still like to see a few more places, Don.
I have a few more choices for you,
so if you're ready, let's go.
All right, let's go.
Oh, my God. Look at this view.
Wow. Now that's beautiful.
Now this is what I wanted.
LAURA: Oh, that water feels great. I love it.
We love to travel, and as the kids have gotten older,
it's gotten more difficult with their schedules
to coordinate it where we can be together as a family.
So that's why we really wanted a beachfront home,
so that we could spend more time and get together more often.
LAURA: Get the ball, Milo.
[ Milo barks ]
We looked all along the North Carolina
and South Carolina beaches,
and when we came to Emerald Isle,
we just knew that this was where we wanted to be.
Let's catch some.
We want to live on the beach in this area
'cause it's easy access for us.
It's a safe place to be, it's got an incredible climate,
and we love the way the water looks here.
How'd you make out? Big fish?
I lost him reeling it in.
I need some more lessons.
So, I think your right-hand turn is coming up pretty soon,
Yeah, it's right up here.
I'm looking forward to see what Don has to show us over there.
I'm showing John and Laura a place at Queens Court,
located in the heart of Emerald Isle.
So, it has the ability to be close to amenities of the town
and yet just steps away from the ocean.
We are here at Queens Court.
It's a beautiful condominium complex
sitting right on the ocean,
and nice wide beaches, beautiful surf.
It's two bedrooms, it's two bathrooms.
It's 1,028 heated square feet,
so I think it'll accommodate your family very well.
How about activities for the kids?
Activities -- okay, they have a nice large pool area,
tennis courts, basketball goal,
and then there is a playground area.
Most important question, Don.
We got a million-dollar view here --
what's the price of the unit?
This is what you're gonna love.
It's $280,000.
Oh, my goodness. That's great.
So, go on ahead and have a look,
and I'll be out on the beach waiting for you.
Great. Thanks. We'll see you soon.
Oh, wow. This is nice.
Like a home. Very comfortable.
Yeah, it doesn't look like a condo.
It's a nice open floor plan.
Good-size kitchen.
It looks like there's some pretty good storage space here.
Nice breakfast bar here for the kids
so everybody can sit up here.
I think we'd have to take the wallpaper down, though.
I don't care for wallpaper.
And just maybe paint a little bit of color in here.
But it's a good space. It's workable.
Yeah. No, I think it would work.
I like how the dining area is right here, you know?
We can still have a meal and get a good view of the ocean.
Let's go outside and look at the view.
I'm anxious to see that.
Oh, my God. Look at this view.
Wow. Now that's beautiful.
This is spectacular.
Now this is what I wanted.
Gorgeous views.
You know what I like is that this is a good extension
up here of indoor living.
So the kids, if they want to get a break from everything,
regardless of the weather,
they can come out here and relax.
Yeah, and it's a great-size balcony.
We can add a little table out here, maybe a grill,
and extend the inside
just to have a little bit more room for the family
and friends to entertain.
This will be perfect.
This is great.
And we get that million-dollar view.
It's a nice bedroom.
Looks like a queen-size bed.
Two of the kids could fit here, at least.
Maybe do bunk beds or some kind of change
just to accommodate everybody.
We could probably fit all four of them in here if we needed to.
Yeah, this is good. Nice space for everybody.
Ceiling fan's a little low, so we may have to watch,
make sure none of the kids swing on that.
Absolutely.
All right, let's see what else they have.
Looks like they have a bathroom --
en suite bathroom here.
That's great. That's a full bath.
Yeah, this is private for the kids.
It'll give them their own space.
Okay. Oh, this must be the master.
This is a good-size room.
Wow, this is a big bedroom.
Lot of room in here.
I'm surprised how much room it is.
I mean, this is --
Even if we had to, we could put all the four kids in here.
I don't think so.
I think we'll keep this for just us.
There's a bathroom, though, over here, I think.
An en suite bathroom.
How much room in there?
It's a good size. It's a full bath.
So at least we'll have our own bathroom.
Yeah, nice. More privacy for us, too, which is good.
Let's go see the view out here.
Yeah, this is the most important thing, isn't it?
This is everything we were looking for.
Yeah.
Oh, wow. This is a good-size deck.
I love that view. I could take that view all day long.
So, what are your thoughts?
You know, it's under budget, which is important to us,
and it gives us some flexibility for Laura to make some changes.
That might be nice.
Well, it's a tough decision, Don.
I think I'd like to go home and sleep on it
and talk about it some more tonight.
Yeah, let's take some time to talk about it.
Okay. Well, you know where to find me.
We've had a chance to see a lot of different properties,
but we've got some choices to make.
I don't know if we have to compromise
or stretch our budget or what we have to do.
[ Seagulls squawking ]
So, what'd you think of Pharaoh's Cottage?
LAURA: It was beautiful but way over our price point.
Yeah, you know, it's a house
and I think that's probably more maintenance and time
that we can devote to a property.
And then Windward Dunes.
Another really pretty property.
Looked like it was maintenance-free,
great social amenities, beautiful pool area,
great grilling area, but right at our price point.
Yeah, and it was in a high-rise,
so that would be something to consider.
Pier Pointe?
Beautiful property.
When we opened the door,
it was a great panoramic view of the ocean,
but it's quite a bit over our price point, as well.
Yeah, but I love the views.
The views were amazing, and it had good space
for our family and friends to come and stay with us.
But a little bit of an issue with the privacy,
with people going up and down.
I'm not sure if that's something
that we'd be real excited about.
And then we have Queens Court.
Yeah, another pretty property.
Right directly oceanfront.
Well below our budget.
I think that was a place, though,
that could give you an opportunity
to put your own touch on it but needed some work, as well.
Needed some TLC.
Well, time to go call Don.
There's no greater feeling than taking your shoes off
and walking with your bare feet in the sand.
Oh, I hear you.
Yeah, and this is just everything we wanted.
Well, speaking of that,
I know you've had time to think about it and talk it over,
and have you made a decision?
We did.
Weighed the different options available to us
from beachfront to maintenance-free
to Laura putting her own touch on it.
And we have made a decision.
Laura?
We chose Pier Pointe.
Pier Pointe. Fantastic.
That's a great choice.
It's over budget,
but it was everything that we were looking for,
so we're looking forward to moving ahead.
With that in mind,
let's go on ahead and draw up some paperwork.
Get the offer submitted and see where we go.
Okay.
JOHN: So, what do you guys think?
WOMAN: This place is awesome.
We chose Pier Pointe because it was turnkey.
It was everything exactly what we were looking for.
It was maintenance-free, it was great beach access,
it was oceanfront, and it was really up-to-date
but still gave Laura an opportunity to put her special touches on it.
All right. Salud, guys.
Salud.
LAURA: I was a little bit concerned
about the privacy at Pier Pointe,
especially off the back deck,
but it's not really that busy all the time,
and we're just all excited about spending time together.
To making memories.
JOHN: To making memories.
I'm very happy with our choice.
I don't think we could have asked for anything better.
Every time I go there and look at it,
I know that we made the right decision.
Who gets the bedroom?
Girls, of course.
Who gets the couch?
Who gets the couch?
Owning a beachfront condo has changed our life
because now we get access to the ocean if we want
365 days a year.
We can come whenever we want,
and the kids can come with their friends for an escape, too.
Hey, guys, how many steps to the beach?
I'm at 20 right now.
LAURA: And now we're only steps away from the beach
whenever we want to get down there.
It's only 62 steps for my short legs.
Maybe something shorter for your legs and the kids.
[ Chuckles ]