Buying a house in Morehead City or Beaufort isn't like buying a suburban tract home in Charlotte. Not even close. You've got flood zones that change by the street, salt air that eats HVAC units for breakfast, and a market that moves at two different speeds. Honestly, if you aren't working with someone who knows the difference between a "water view" and a "flood risk," you're probably going to overpay.
That's where Keller Williams Crystal Coast comes in. Headquartered at 5420 Highway 70 W in Morehead City, they’ve basically become the central hub for real estate across Carteret County.
People think all big-box agencies are the same. They aren't. While the name on the sign is national, the operation at the Crystal Coast is intensely local. This isn't just a group of agents; it’s a collection of specialized teams like the Mary Cheatham King Real Estate team or the Holland Shepard Group. They aren't just selling "four bedrooms and three baths." They're selling a lifestyle that involves boat slips, hurricane shutters, and the weirdly specific joy of living near the Outer Banks.
The 2026 Reality Check for Coastal Buyers
We are currently seeing a market that has finally stopped its caffeine-fueled sprint. It’s breathing now. As of early 2026, the inventory across the Crystal Coast has stabilized. We’re looking at about 4 to 5 months of supply.
What does that mean for you?
Leverage.
Two years ago, you couldn't even ask for a roof repair without getting laughed out of the room. Now? Buyers are actually negotiating. But—and this is a big "but"—the best stuff still goes fast. If a house is "turnkey" (meaning you don't have to spend your first three months fighting a mold issue), it’s still going to see multiple offers.
Mortgage rates are hovering around the 5.9% to 6.2% range. It’s a "new normal" that feels a lot better than the 7% spikes we saw a while back. This has brought a wave of people out of the woodwork who were "renting and waiting."
Why Location Specifics Matter Here
If you’re looking at Beaufort, you’re dealing with historic codes and tight lots.
If you’re looking at Emerald Isle, you’re dealing with short-term rental ROI and beach nourishment taxes.
If you’re looking at Newport, you’re looking at more land but a longer drive to the sand.
The agents at Keller Williams Crystal Coast tend to specialize by "micro-market." You’ll find agents who do nothing but waterfront condos at Radio Island, and others who focus entirely on the "Down East" communities. Honestly, that's the only way to do it here. The variables are too high to be a generalist.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Agency
Most people assume Keller Williams is just a place where agents hang their licenses. Sorta true, but the Crystal Coast market center operates more like a tech-backed training ground. They use a system called Command, which—to be blunt—is just a fancy way of saying they have way more data on your house than you do.
They know when people in Ohio are searching for "homes near Morehead City Yacht Basin" before those people even contact a realtor. That data-first approach is why you see so many of their signs in yards.
Current Market Leaders and Teams
If you’re scouting for an agent, you’ll likely run into these names:
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- Mary Cheatham King Team: Known for high-end listings and a very "boutique" feel.
- Holland Shepard Group: Heavy hitters in the local residential space.
- Bradberry Garner Real Estate: They handle a massive volume and have a deep bench of experience.
The leadership, including names like Robby Baker (Team Leader/CEO) and Brenda Roney (Broker-in-Charge), keeps the gears turning. It’s a high-pressure environment because the stakes are high. When you're dealing with a $2.4 million new construction on Radio Island, there is zero room for paperwork errors.
The Insurance Elephant in the Room
Let's talk about something nobody likes to talk about: insurance. In 2026, coastal insurance premiums are... spicy.
If your agent doesn't bring up the NC Joint Underwriting Association (the "Beach Plan") or doesn't know how to read an Elevation Certificate, fire them. Seriously. A "deal" on a house can evaporate the second you get your first homeowners insurance quote.
The folks at Keller Williams Crystal Coast are usually pretty proactive about this. They often have insurance partners on speed dial to get "ballpark" quotes during the due diligence period. It saves everyone a lot of heartbreak later on.
Actionable Steps for 2026
If you’re serious about moving to the Crystal Coast this year, stop browsing Zillow and do these three things:
- Get a "Local" Pre-Approval: Big national banks don't always understand coastal properties or the specific appraisal hurdles in North Carolina. Use a lender that the Morehead City office recommends. They know how to close these specific types of loans.
- Define Your "Water" Goal: Do you want to see it, walk to it, or park a boat in it? Those are three very different price points and three very different types of properties.
- Interview the Team, Not Just the Brand: Don't just call the main desk. Look at the specific teams within Keller Williams Crystal Coast. Find the one that matches your vibe—whether you want a data-driven investment specialist or a "local's local" who knows the history of every house on the block.
The market isn't a "battleground" anymore, but it's definitely a chess match. You need someone who knows where the pieces are hidden. Over 1,500 properties are listed through this office on average, and with a 98% customer satisfaction rate, they’re clearly doing something right in the salt air.
Buying here is about more than just a roof over your head. It’s about being part of a community that survives hurricanes together and celebrates the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament like it’s a national holiday. Get an agent who actually lives that life.